by Deanna Chase
“Oh?” Ian was so far into his work, he’d obviously forgotten about the marriage revelation.
“Yeah, we need to clear up an earlier conversation.” She gave me a reassuring smile and dragged a distracted Ian into the den.
“Jade, Kane?” Charlie called. “I’m going to take Candy home. We’ve got to... well, I’m sure you can figure it out.” Her wicked smile left nothing to the imagination.
I laughed. “See you later.”
Kane waved, and the door shut softly behind them. Kane’s friends said hasty goodbyes, both appearing dumbstruck. That left Lucien, Kat, and Lailah. The three offered to help us clean up, but I shooed them away. All I wanted to do was eat cheesecake and go to bed, preferably both at the same time.
Lailah barely met Kat’s eyes as she said goodbye and told me she’d call me later. Kat and Lucien stayed glued together. They left shortly after. From the way they were looking at each other, it wasn’t hard to guess what they’d be up to as soon as they got back in the French Quarter. Maybe the night wasn’t a total disaster.
Ian and Pyper emerged from the den, joking about drive through Elvis chapels. When Kane questioned them about it, they doubled over laughing, barely able to breathe. Okay. Maybe someone really had dipped too much nog. They were holding hands and still laughing when they left. Hand holding was better than glaring. It was progress.
I grabbed a dirty tray and headed into the kitchen.
Kane joined me at the sink a few minutes later. “Not exactly the party we planned.”
“Ha. No, not exactly.” I started scrubbing melted cheese from the tray.
“It’s one of the things I love about you.” Kane took the tray from me and set it aside.
“What’s that exactly? That I attract ghosts and demons? Or that my friends all seem to be closeted lesbians?”
He chuckled. “No. I love that every day is a surprise.” His arms came around me, and he leaned in. He stopped just before our lips met. “Are you up for this?”
“Kissing you? Always.”
“No, the consequences.” He pointed up.
Above us was the fifth glowing mistletoe. Ah, I’d forgotten about it. If he kissed me right there, he’d have to do whatever I said.
A devilish smile made my lips twitch. My eyes met his eager ones. “Yeah,” I breathed. “You?”
“Always.” His warm, demanding lips met mine, nipping and teasing as our tongues danced together. Seconds later, I pulled back, breathless. “Ready for cheesecake?”
He nodded, heat in his eyes.
I pointed to the refrigerator. “You grab the cake. I’ll get the utensils.”
“Who needs utensils?” he asked, his gaze running the length of my body.
I laughed, a low sexy sound, and dropped the forks back in the drawer. I grabbed the whipped cream and moved to the door. “After you.”
He glanced over his shoulder to watch me watching him. “As you wish, my pretty witch.”
Oh. My. Cheesecake, whipped cream, and a submissive Kane. I licked my lips. Forget the party. The night had just begun.
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The Jade Calhoun Series in order:
Haunted on Bourbon Street
Witches of Bourbon Street
Demons of Bourbon Street
Engaged off Bourbon Street (A Short Story)
Angels of Bourbon Street
Shadows of Bourbon Street
Incubus of Bourbon Street
Spirits of Bourbon Street (A Novelette)
About the Author
Deanna is a native Californian. After spending five years traveling in an RV, she and her husband moved into an adorable cottage in a small town outside of New Orleans. After about six months, Deanna was convinced their 1907 home was haunted. Late at night as she penned Haunted on Bourbon Street, she often heard footsteps throughout the old house. Luckily, the spirit appears to be harmless, as he/she has never done more than make a little noise and possibly smoke a few cigars. However, if the ghost ever shows up in a dream, you’ll be the first to hear of it. Smudge stick anyone?
When she isn’t writing, she is often goofing off with her husband in New Orleans, playing with her two shih tzu dogs, and making glass beads. Visit her website at http://www.deannachase.com