"I have a look?" Jacob asked.
"Totally," Beatrix told him. "You kind of rub your chin and get this thousand-yard stare."
Jacob laughed. "I didn't know I did that," he said, touched that she had noticed something like that about him.
"So, what were you thinking about?" Beatrix asked. "If it was whether I want those sticky mango doughnuts for dessert, the answer is yes."
"I was thinking that you don't care about making me like you when we talk," Jacob said. "It's kind of refreshing."
Beatrix shrugged. "I guess most people you meet are fawning over you? Wanting to make that deal or get you to take them out? Oh, Jacob, you're such a big sexy developer!" Beatrix put on a high-pitched, breathy voice and fluttered her eyelashes.
Choking on his beer with laughter, Jacob swallowed hard. "Something like that," he said. "I mean, you must get it too. I'm sure every guy you meet is trying his best to make a good impression. Must be hard to know what they're actually like."
"It's not really like that with the warlocks my mother sets me up with," Beatrix admitted, pulling at the label on her beer bottle. She had lovely hands, Jacob noticed. Long, elegant fingers, her nails in neat, clean crescents. He had no idea how she kept them so lovely given how hard she worked. "Warlocks tend to have massive egos. They think they're doing me a huge favour just by meeting me."
Jacob made a noise of amusement. "Really?" he said. "I didn't know magical dating was so difficult." He paused, wondering. "Do you only go out with warlocks then?"
"Oh, no," Beatrix said, shaking her head. "Most of the guys I've been involved with were Ordinaries. I mean, it was never serious, but..."
"Really?" Jacob asked. "I kind of thought..."
"What, because my mother is so keen on me dating a warlock that I wouldn't?" Beatrix said. "She's not happy that I've been giving myself to men with no knowledge of magic - her words, not mine. But she can't really give me crap on that one, given she banged an Ordinary and I was the result."
"Your dad was an Ordinary?" Jacob said, shocked. But he supposed it made sense. Beatrix had never mentioned her father, after all.
"Yep," Beatrix sighed. "My mother says that it was a huge mistake, and she doesn't want me to do something like that."
"Bloody hell," Jacob breathed. "Did you ever meet him?"
"I don't even know his name," Beatrix said, seemingly casual, but Jacob could hear the edge in her voice.
"I'm sorry," Jacob said, and it sounded wholly inadequate. "I didn't mean to..."
"It's okay," Beatrix took another sip of her beer. "I guess I'm lucky, really. If I had a warlock for a dad, maybe I would never have moved out of the commune, made my own way in the world."
"That's very philosophical," Jacob said, still thinking about what it must have been like for Beatrix, growing up without ever knowing who her father was.
"Maybe," Beatrix shrugged. "But that's enough philosophy. Are we getting the Gulab Jamon or what?"
Jacob laughed. "If I ever say no to that question, you'll know there's something seriously wrong with me."
✽✽✽
"I can't make it for lunch on Sunday, Mum," Jacob said carefully. "I'm, uh, really busy with work."
"What on earth do you mean?" Bethany sounded horrified. "Chuck, why have you got him working so hard he can't have Sunday lunch with his own family?"
"Nothing to do with me!" Chuck interrupted. "I don't know what he's doing."
"It's just some extra research," Jacob said quickly. "But I really want to get on top of it. Make sure this project is a success."
"You're such a good boy, Jacob," Bethany said. "But you work too hard. You have to make time for your family. And for finding the right girl."
Jacob gritted his teeth and thought about all the times that Tom had missed family lunch simply because he was hungover. He never got this level of grilling about it.
"Oh, I picked up a little something for you," Jacob said, wanting to change the subject. "It's in the mail. I don't know if you've heard of Just Like Magic, the skincare brand? Well, the workshop is right next door to the site at Shepherd's Crossing."
"Oh, darling!" Bethany's voice was almost schoolgirlish with excitement. "I've wanted to try them for months, ever since I saw that review in Modern Woman. Right next door, you say? Have you met the owner?"
"I sure have," Jacob said, not mentioning that he was, in fact, currently magically bound to the owner. That might have been a little much to explain over the phone. "Beatrix has a dog too, and Prada actually likes him! You know how picky she is."
"Sounds like you've been spending some time together," Bethany sounded intrigued. "What's this Beatrix like then? Is she pretty?"
Jacob wasn't entirely sure he could avoid being overheard, but then again, it wasn't like Beatrix didn't know he thought she was gorgeous. He had asked her out enough times. "Very, actually," he said. "Smart too, and independent. Built that whole business herself, and now she's got a few employees, and—"
"Oh Jacob, it sounds like you rather like her!" Bethany was delighted. "When are you going to bring her round to dinner? I want to meet her!"
"It's not like that, Mum," Jacob said quickly. "We're just friends. Becoming friends. Maybe. I mean, she's not too keen on me. Being the guy who's about to turn the bushland next to her property into...something else."
"So she's an anti-progress hippy!" Chuck cut in, where he had clearly still been listening. "Makes sense, anyone who'd live out there."
"She's not, Dad," Jacob said patiently. "She just didn't want to see her home turned into an industrial park. That's not unreasonable, really."
"Where did she go to school?" Chuck asked. "Who are her family? What's her surname?"
"I have no idea where she went to school," Jacob answered entirely truthfully. "Her mother lives up north somewhere. And her surname is LaGrange. But I don't think that's important."
"I bet her mother doesn't make concrete, does she?" Chuck laughed loudly at his own joke. "Don't get too attached, Jakey. She doesn't sound like the right sort of girl for you."
Even though Jacob knew that Beatrix wouldn't want him to be attached to her, the words stung. He couldn't believe his dad was so dismissive.
"She's hardworking, independent, brilliant, and kind. Really damn kind. What's the problem?" Jacob said. "She's gorgeous, too, if that matters."
"Always helps," Chuck laughed. "Look, I don't mind you having a fling with the girl next door, but you know that you need to make the right choice for the long term. Someone from a background like yours. Someone who gets the importance of family."
"It doesn't matter," Jacob said, feeling defeated. "We're just friends, anyway. She's not interested in me."
"Oh, I'm sure she is, Jacob!" his mother said, firm in her belief that no woman could ever resist him. "You're such a handsome boy and so accomplished."
"I hope you like the skincare," Jacob said, letting out a sigh. "And I'll try to be at the next lunch, okay? Love you both. Bye!"
He ended the call before either of them could say anything else. He really didn't need to hear any more opinions on whether or not Beatrix was a good match for him. The only person he really needed to convince was her.
12 Beatrix
"It's going to be a really intense day," Beatrix said, standing in front of Shauna and Onyx like a general ready to inspire her troops. "Well, a few days, actually. This new contract is huge, but it's noses to the grindstone to get it out in time. I promise there's a big bonus in it for both of you if we can pull it off."
"It won't be a problem," Shauna said, looking capable as ever with her neatly cropped hair and a well-starched polo shirt. "I've got a babysitter sorted for the boys. I can be here as long as you need me."
"Thank you," Beatrix said gratefully, making a mental note to cover the cost of the babysitter. "Onyx, you up for it?"
Onyx was still skittish after the bonding curse incident, but he had accepted her hug when she had told him that she forgave him for his
mistake. That was a start, at least. Beatrix knew it would take a lot longer for Onyx to forgive himself.
"Of course," Onyx said, whirling his long arms like a windmill as though to demonstrate just how ready and energetic he was. "You can rely on me, Bea."
"Good," Beatrix nodded. "Okay, let's get to it." She flicked on the sound system to play some aggressively upbeat music that she knew Onyx would drown out with his ever-present headphones but that she and Shauna loved.
"Good luck, team," Jacob said, looking up from the desk in the corner. "I'm sure you can do it."
"Easy for you," Beatrix wrinkled her nose. "All you have to do is sit in that chair and make phone calls."
"It takes mental energy!" Jacob protested, but he laughed as Beatrix rolled her eyes.
✽✽✽
Five hours later, Beatrix had to admit that maybe they had bitten off a little more than they could chew. Her hair was damp with sweat from crushing cardamom pods, she had a shiny new burn on her arm from rushing with a solution of chamomile and willow bark, and her feet ached in her new Adidas Falcons.
"I think you could all use a break," a voice interrupted. Beatrix looked up from the bucket of aloe vera that she was infusing with magical intention, and her mouth fell open. Jacob was holding a platter of sandwiches and a tray of coffee cups.
"How did you..." she asked wonderingly.
"I got it delivered," Jacob shrugged, putting the container down on the table and setting out the sandwiches, and - Beatrix was delighted to see - fresh muffins. "From that bakery near the motorway."
"They don't deliver," Onyx said, standing a few feet back as though unsure if he was allowed to partake in the feast.
"They do with the right encouragement," Jacob grinned, and when Beatrix caught his eye, he winked. Beatrix felt a sudden tug in her chest right as her stomach turned an array of somersaults that would have definitely scored a medal at the Olympics.
"You're a godsend," Shauna said, picking up one of the coffee cups and taking a grateful sip. "That's so good," she moaned, making an almost orgasmic sound.
"Not as good as yours," Jacob said. "But I figured it would have to do. Come on, Onyx. I got you a long black, extra hot. Thought you seemed like that kind of a dude."
Onyx looked surprised for a minute, and he almost smiled. Almost. "Thank you," he said in his solemn voice. "I am indeed that kind of a dude."
"Don't mention it," Jacob said, clapping him on the back in a matey gesture that Beatrix knew Onyx only tolerated because he still felt guilty about the bonding curse.
"This was really nice of you," Beatrix said quietly as Onyx and Shauna began to tuck into the sandwiches.
"You've got a busy day," Jacob said simply. "You needed a pick me up. Besides, you're literally letting me sleep in your house. It's the least I could do."
"Still..." Beatrix said. "Thank you."
Jacob held her gaze for a moment, and her stomach did that flippy thing again. "You're very welcome."
Beatrix thought that he might say something else, but he looked away, picking up a ham and cheese sandwich. "I reckon Prada will never forgive me if I don't give her some," he said. "Can Gumbo have a bit too?"
"Yeah, of course," Beatrix said, feeling a little dazed. It must be the lack of caffeine in her system.
✽✽✽
"You don't have to do this, you know that, right?" Beatrix said for what felt like the millionth time.
"I don't mind!" Jacob protested. "Besides, you're the one who said my whole job is just sitting at a desk making phone calls. It's good to actually use my muscles for once."
"Sure is," Shauna cut in, and Jacob laughed, looking down at the way his shirt was sticking to his skin.
"Glad you're enjoying the show," he said without a hint of modesty.
"I've got eyes," Shauna shrugged and returned to decanting the freshly brewed Cast Out Dark Circles serum.
"Show off," Beatrix laughed, but she couldn't deny that Jacob looked good sweaty, his hair a mess, his green eyes sparkling with mischief. Goddamn it, she really needed to stay focused.
"Hey, I've kept my shirt on!" Jacob protested. "I'm making an effort." He hefted another box onto the shipping pallet. "Just a few more, and we're done with these."
"Thanks for helping," Beatrix said. "You know, you make a pretty good warehouse assistant."
"So you think I should give up the whole property development thing, then?"
"No!" Beatrix said. "If people like you stop being developers, all that will be left are the evil ones. The world needs developers like you."
"I'm flattered," Jacob said, raising his eyebrows.
"Don't get too cocky," Beatrix said, wiping her sweaty brow on her forearm as she forced herself to stay focused on drawing out the mystical properties of the tub of aloe vera in front of her. "Just remember who I'm comparing you to."
Jacob laughed out loud. "Fair enough. But you'll have to be careful. I'm going to start thinking you like me."
Beatrix opened her mouth to reply, but she couldn't quite come up with something in response to that. She looked down at the aloe vera, which was glowing very slightly under her attentions. The truth was, she did like Jacob. Liked him a whole lot more than she should. He had snuck in under her radar, gone from unwelcome house guest to something like a friend in the time they had been bound together. And now... Well, she didn't want to define exactly how she thought of him, not even to herself.
When Jacob excused himself to the bathroom, Shauna nudged her. "So, what's happening with you two? I bet he's not still sleeping on your futon."
Beatrix almost choked on the water she was drinking. "Yes he is!" she said. "We haven't... it's not like that."
"Why not?" Onyx asked, looking up from where he was printing off shipping labels. "You're clearly attracted to him. I don't see the problem. What are you waiting for? You should enjoy your life. We've only got so much time before the grave takes us all."
"I'm not—" Beatrix began, but the looks both Shauna and Onyx gave her were deeply disbelieving. Damn, they knew her way too well. "You know I don't do relationships," she said. "Not serious ones, anyway. Nothing can happen with him."
"I know you like your independence, Bea, but I think you're making a mistake, not giving him a chance," Shauna said. "I can tell that you like him, and he's clearly a genuinely good person."
"You're just staying that because he brought you sandwiches," Beatrix said, looking away.
"Well, that definitely helped," Shauna admitted. "But even Onyx thinks he's okay."
"All humans are filthy and corrupt as we crawl across the earth like bugs before each of us is squashed in turn," Onyx said, rather cheerfully. "But... Jacob is okay. He was kind to me after what I did. Most people wouldn't have been."
That, Beatrix thought, was very true. Jacob had taken Onyx aside and spoken kindly to him long before she herself had forgiven him.
"I don't want a relationship," Beatrix said firmly. "Not with Jacob, not with anyone."
"I give it a week before you two are snogging behind the greenhouse," Shauna said, twisting the top onto the last of the little glass bottles.
"Three days, at the most," Onyx agreed, with a rare smile.
Beatrix shook her head. "Will you two shut up? He's going to hear you."
"What am I going to hear?" Jacob said, appearing as if on cue.
"Nothing," Beatrix said quickly. "Nothing at all."
✽✽✽
But it wasn't nothing. Beatrix knew that. When she finally collapsed into her bed late that night, muscles aching with the day's exertions, she knew that Shauna and Onyx were, in their own ways, absolutely right. Why was she dismissing Jacob, after all? Just because she didn't do relationships?
And that was the truth. She didn't want to get involved with someone. Didn't want a commitment that would mean someone else was sharing her life. Taking up space. Invading her privacy. She had always said that she'd never allow that.
And yet...
B
eatrix couldn't deny that Jacob had, so far at least, been a more than pleasant addition to her life. Bound together 24/7, she had thought she'd want to kill him by the end of the first day. Instead, she found herself looking forward to leaving the workshop each day and chatting to him as they - and the dogs - made their way to her little house. She liked the way he set the table without being asked. The way he always complimented her cooking, no matter how rudimentary the meal. The way he seemed to remember little things she told him.
She let herself imagine, just for a moment, what it would be like if she let herself say yes to Jacob. If they went out on a real date. Would he kiss her afterwards? Press her up against the nearest flat surface and devour her mouth with his? How would that well-muscled body feel against her own? What would it be like to feel those strong hands on her body, sliding over her thighs and under her dress?
What if she took him home and led him into her bedroom and not her office? How would it feel to give herself up to him completely? And afterwards, what would it be like to snuggle into those strong arms, rest her head on his chest?
With those thoughts, Beatrix finally drifted into sleep, and her dreams were full of green eyes, a broad grin, and feelings she couldn't articulate but didn't want to ignore any longer.
✽✽✽
"Oh, fuck."
Beatrix sat bolt upright in bed, barely awake, but already furious with herself. Memories of her dreams came flooding back to her. She had really let herself go, hadn't she? Let herself imagine all sorts of things about Jacob that she knew she shouldn't. She had made a vow not to let any man get close to her, not truly close, and here she was fantasizing about the man she was quite literally bound to.
Beatrix rubbed her face and told herself very firmly that this wasn't going to continue. She couldn't let it. It was a terrible idea.
Nothing could happen with Jacob. Even if it had seemed a little hard to remember that when she had let her imagination run wild the night before.
Witch Way Now: A Paranormal Romantic Comedy (Raising Hell Downunder Book 4) Page 11