Читать книгу Goddess, Awakened - Cate Masters - Страница 6

The dream again. The same man, mysterious, yet her soul mate. Joss awoke damp with sweat. Light edged the horizon and gradually diffused the shadows from her room. Taz jumped atop the bed and nudged her hand with his snout.

Sitting up, she hugged him, stroking his long black and white fur. “Oh, Taz.”

When John’s friend had first brought the border collie, Joss balked. The last thing she needed was another life to depend on her. John had told her the herding dog would guide her. Taz had turned his brown eyes toward her, a connection beyond love. Somehow the dog had shared her sadness and promised better times lie ahead.

The dog’s soft tongue licked her cheek. “I know. We have a lot of work to finish.” Enough dreaming, for now.

After a quick shower, she threw on jeans and a sweatshirt.

Taz woofed at the window, tail wagging.

“Someone coming?” Joss ruffled his fur and peered outside. “It’s Annie.”

Bounding ahead as she opened the door, the dog reached Annie before Joss, who rushed down the porch steps. “You’re here early.”

Annie smiled. “I brought breakfast. I know you’ve been working before Charlie and I arrive and after we leave. You’re going to exhaust yourself.”

“Not a chance. I’m in love.”

Annie’s jaw dropped. “What?”

“I fall in love with the house every time I look at it.” Joss delighted in every detail. Arched wooden frames protruded around the third floor windows. From its near-flat mansard rooftop, shingles curved delicately down to the second floor, rimmed in dark wooden molding set with evenly spaced carved brackets beneath the eaves. Like the first floor, the second floor boasted narrow floor-to-ceiling windows in pairs. Topped by an aged copper roof, the main rectangular tower jutted past the front door, its three windows angled hexagonally. Columns sat at the front of the roofed porch, extending past the dining room windows.

“Yep, the inn’s beautiful.” Annie chuckled. “Or will be.”

“It’s a Second Empire Victorian. Did I tell you already?”

Annie’s lips twisted to the side. “You might have mentioned the fact a few times.”

“Doesn’t its name seem perfect? For both the inn and my life. A second empire.”

“You will rule in both,” Annie joked, following her to the back door. “I have to admit, I was afraid I’d be cooking over a hearth.”

“Not quite.” The previous owners had updated the kitchen beautifully. In the morning sun, the room gleamed in ceramic and steel perfection. Graced with four large arched windows, light blazed through.

After setting down her bags, Annie ran her hand across the large, shiny stove, then the huge refrigerator. “I still can’t believe how gorgeous it is.”

Joss leaned against the large central island. “I’m glad the one room they updated was this one.”

“Ah, my dream workspace.” Annie caressed the light gray granite countertops. “I want to live here.”

“Once we’re up and running, you practically will.” Joss moved to the back door. “And the outdoor summer kitchen’s only a few steps down the walk.”

Stepping beside her, Annie said, “Where you’ll make the specialty of the house.”

“A few specialties, actually.” Joss planned to create delectable concoctions using her grandmother’s potent ingredient—lavender. She’d stir it in lemonade for hot summer days, mix it with sugar to dust on cakes, and adorn rooms with its blooms.

“The entire field will be filled with a sea of purple flowers.” She couldn’t wait until the view transformed her vision into reality. “Gram used to tell me lavender keeps away everything from insects to bad luck, if you believe in superstition.”

Rapping her knuckles on the wooden door jamb, Annie chuckled. “Don’t knock it. We could use some luck.”

“I don’t believe in luck, Annie. I believe in working hard, and making my own luck.” Joss had ignored her grandmother’s advice to entwine the perennial in her hair for her wedding to John. Gram had told her the sacred rite would ensure she retained her female power and bring good fortune. Joss hadn’t needed a flower for that.

“We’re going to make this work, Annie.”

“You betcha.” Annie slung an arm around her shoulder. “I’m so happy to see you moving on, honey. I was worried about you.”

“I was fine.” Joss couldn’t admit to Annie she had reason to worry. “You’re right, buying this place was the right decision. Running the inn will keep me busy, if nothing else, and Taz has the run of the property’s seven acres.” She reached down to pat his head, and he looked up at her with his warm brown eyes, mouth open in a doggy smile.

Annie’s careful scrutiny crawled over her. “Nope, something more. You look more like you. Even more like you than when John was alive.” She waved. “I can’t explain it.”

“I know what you mean. It’s true.” Since moving in, Joss was more herself than she had been in years. Stronger, more vibrant. “I’m looking forward to the future again, instead of dreading it. I can’t wait to plant the first crop of lavender next spring.” It would bring happy childhood memories, and hopefully happy customers who loved her lavender-based recipes. If the blooms brought a bit of luck, all the better.

* * * *

Lavender Hill Inn’s flow of guests grew steadily. Her full days gave Joss no time to think about anything besides work, or so she told herself. Despite her resolve, Eric barely left Joss’s thoughts for the next few weeks. In the mornings, she pointedly avoided him, waiting to walk Taz until after his early run.

Until the morning Taz broke from their early morning walk to run to the barn.

“Where are you going?” Rounding the back of the house, she slowed at the sight of Eric’s truck.

Tail wagging, Taz stood beside it. Eric climbed out and bent to pat the dog’s head.

“Oh, no.” She’d planned for this eventual visit—and had planned to be away, out of sight, where she wouldn’t have to speak to him. If she hurried into the summer kitchen, she could avoid him. Her pace quickened. As she reached for the door, Taz barked.

Glancing back, she shushed the dog. Too late. The vet stood, hand on hip, watching.

“Hello.” She waved and grabbed the door knob.

“Morning.” He strolled closer.

“How are the horses?”

“Good. I’m giving shots today.”

Was the regular vet still on vacation? “Poor things.”

“They don’t feel much.”

“All animals experience pain.” How could he claim otherwise?

“Horses have such thick skins. Nothing like humans.” He winced and turned away.

She wished she had such a protective barrier. One would come in handy right now. “Good. Well…” Stepping back, she beat a hasty retreat and entered the house through the back door.

In the kitchen, Joss rubbed the sudden gooseflesh on her arms. Turning toward Annie didn’t erase the pull from the barn. “So what else do we need for the Thanksgiving dinner?”

Thankfully, Annie said nothing about the vet’s presence, though her gaze returned to the blue SUV several times. “I’m finished shopping. Will Kyle come?” The hope in Annie’s voice shone through, though she seemed to struggle to remain casual.

“Overnight, yes.” Her son hadn’t missed a holiday yet. “Lydia too.”

Annie brightened. “Oh, good. I like her.”

“Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without family.” Not necessarily a bad thing when your family’s certifiable.

Since Halloween, everything had remained calm. Normal. If only she could say the same for her family.

Wiping her hands, Annie asked, “How are reservations?”

“Five more booked for dinner, so we’ll have thirty.” More than she’d expected.

“Great. Any staying overnight?” As always, Annie’s enthusiasm made even small news seem huge.

“Seven, including Kyle and Lydia.” She’d hoped for more, with people’s relatives coming into town for the holiday, but the inn needed time to build its reputation.

“Once people see how beautiful the inn is, word will get out, and we’ll be turning people away.”

Nice to dream big, anyway. Joss wouldn’t dampen Annie’s hopes. “It does look wonderful, doesn’t it?” The walls in the front room were light sage, the trim painted in cream, carried into the foyer. “Better than I’d imagined.”

“When will the new sign arrive?”

“Not until after Christmas, because it’s a special order.” Joss sighed. “I can’t wait until spring, when we can paint the outside.”

“And plant the lavender.” After a slight squee, Annie said, “Your dreams are coming true. By next summer, they’ll bloom into reality.”

Something about the words struck Joss hard. The dream. Every night, it recurred: the man in the lavender field. Her soul mate. Who was he? Where was he right now?

Joss didn’t realize Annie stood beside her until her friend touched her arm.

“Are you all right, hon?”

Shaking off the odd sensation, Joss smiled. “Fine. I can’t stop worrying about the enormous amount of work ahead. Especially the barn. I hope the boarders will understand why we need to make the changes.” Moving the pasture to the other side of the stable, for starters. Building a new tack room so Joss could make use of the old summer kitchen.

“Don’t forget the patio.” Dreaminess filled Annie’s voice. “It will give us a lot more options. Just think, people will book birthday parties there, graduation parties, anniversary parties…and weddings! How perfect will that space be for weddings?”

At the word, Joss’s stomach twisted. “Absolutely perfect.”

The kitchen echoed the click of Taz’s nails across the floor as he went to the door, then glanced back at Joss.

“You want to go out?” She hesitated before opening the door. “Don’t bother the doctor.”

To her horror, Taz beelined for the stable and squeezed inside the barely-open entrance. “Oh, no.”

Annie chuckled. “He likes to keep an eye on everyone and everything.”

Sometimes the wrong things. With growing caution, she found herself riveted to the scene outside. She opened the door to listen.

“You’re not worried, are you?” Annie’s voice sounded far away.

More vividly, a horse’s snort came from inside the barn. Shuffling hooves stamping the ground. A dog’s yelp sounded.

Red flashed through Joss’s mind and her blood chilled. “Taz!” She ran with only one thought in mind, please let him be safe.

Eric’s loud commands sounded across the yard. “Settle down. Whoa.”

She scrambled to push the barn door wider and halted, her throat constricted.

Eric crouched over Taz, lying on the ground. With calculating precision, Eric ran his hands across the dog’s rump and back legs.

Heart pounding, she halted. “What happened?”

“A small kick. He got between Triple Power and me in the stall.” Eric stood. “He’s fine.”

As if to prove it, Taz scrabbled to his feet, tail wagging.

Joss released a long shuddering breath. “Thank goodness.” She went to him. Instinctively, she ran her hands along the same path the vet’s had taken. Everything appeared to be in place, and Taz gave no protest.

She turned to Eric. He stiffened. His gaze lit with an intense fire. One that ignited within her. She nearly forgot to say, “Thank you.”

Eric lurched to a stand. “No problem.”

Lost in the whirl of his emotions, she steeled herself against reaching for him. “I’ll take Taz inside.”

He stepped closer. “He’s no bother.”

At first surprised, Joss reasoned, Of course. Animals, he’s comfortable with. It’s people he doesn’t like. The storm brewing beneath the man’s skin unnerved her.

Sensing his deep discomfort, she blurted, “We’re open for Thanksgiving dinner. If you have nowhere else to go.” Not a very gracious invitation, but it hid the hope he’d accept.

Darkness crossed his face, hardened his features. “I’m not sure yet.”

Three days away and he hadn’t firmed up plans? “Annie’s turkey dinner is legendary.”

He jerked his head, not quite a nod so much as a dismissal.

With no other reason to stay, she strolled to the door. “I should get back.” A final glance at Taz revealed the dog wouldn’t follow. Taz sat watching, unmoving except for his tail swishing against the ground, mouth open in a pant, uncannily resembling a smile.

* * * *

Sheree closed the door of her apartment harder than she intended. Another night alone. She’d grown tired of waiting. When would the shadowy guy fulfill his end of the bargain? She’d told him everything she’d learned. Sure, it wasn’t much, but could she help it if Mrs. Gibson was about as boring as could be? She worked throughout the day and stayed in at night. So far as Sheree could tell, so did Eric.

Lately, though, when he came to the diner for lunch, Eric looked at her funny. Like she was up to something.

He wasn’t supposed to know. They must have messed up somehow.

“I’ll give you an earful this time.” Grumbling, she hung her coat in the hall closet, closed the door, and gasped, heart suddenly in overdrive. “When did you get here?”

Leaning against the wall, the dark man chuckled. Not the kind that inspired her to laugh along, either. “This instant. What juicy tidbits have you gathered this week?”

Sheree gulped. “Mrs. Gibson’s having Thanksgiving dinner.” Not exactly earth-shattering.

His smile faded. “You’re joking.”

“No, she’s been renovating the inn.” Wasting tons of money on the old rundown place.

He stood straight. “Come now,” he hissed. “Is that the best you can come up with?”

What the hell did he want? Lies? “Yes.”

He clucked his tongue. “How unfortunate. For you.” He glared, his eyes flashing red.

Piss on those special effects, bud. He could save them for a newbie who cowered easily. “It’s not my fault she hasn’t done anything wrong. If you’d tell me what, specifically, you want to know, I could watch for it.” Hiding in the bushes grew old the first night she spied on Joss. It was damn cold outside.

Looming closer, his nostrils flared. “Everything. How much plainer can I state the objective?”

Two could play this game. She had her own agenda and nothing would stand between her and Eric. She mustered her bitchiness, never very far below the surface. “You’re not giving me anything either. Eric hardly pays attention to me. And I think he knows.”

Drawing back, the man’s eyes darted to her. “What do you mean, he knows?”

“Ever since Halloween, he looks at me funny.” Hopefully, Eric hadn’t spied her sneaking around the inn. If only he didn’t live across the damn street from her.

The man ran his gaze up and down her. “So?”

“You’re keeping too much from me.” Like Eric. “What the hell are those crazy lighted buggy things outside the inn? They kept dive-bombing me until I couldn’t stand it anymore.”

He waved her off. “Oh, the fae. They’re harmless, mostly.”

Freaking fairies? Well, why not, if she stood here chit-chatting with a demon. One who owed her big-time. Apparently he’d forgotten that little tidbit. “When are you going to make him fall in love with me?”

He huffed. “I never said such a thing.”

She fumed. No way would he back out on her. “Yes you did. In the car the night we met.”

In contrast to his casual tone, his eyes flashed. “I said you’d have him. I never promised he’d love you.”

Talk about a piercing gaze. His stare drilled into her brain. Her head swam. “I don’t understand.”

His deep voice echoed as if through a canyon. “Understand this. If you fail, you will suffer for eternity.” He sank into the wall and was gone.

What the… “Hello?” What kind of screwed-up mess had she tangled herself in this time? Not a mess. An objective. For once in her pitiful life, she had a goal to reach, and boy howdy, did she intend to win.

Then his words sunk in.

Eternity? Hey, screw that. And what good was having Eric if he didn’t love her? Strolling to the bedroom, she stopped short at seeing Eric reclining across her bed, the sheet covering half his bare rear. Smiling, he patted the space next to him.

Her heart flip-flopped.

Oh, yeah. Finally.

Ripping the band out of her hair, she shook it loose around her shoulders. “Here I come, baby, ready or not.” She squeaked the last word.

Like a video game gone bad, Eric pixilated into static.

“No.” She dove for the bed, landing on nothing but rumpled covers.

Rolling atop them, she groaned and clutched them to her chest. Where Eric should have been.

Okay. She wasn’t completely thick. This was a message. Having Eric, even if he didn’t love her, had its perks.

She could deal with it.