Essence of the Witch (Witches of Keating Hollow Book 8)
Page 19
Wanda went down in a heap and let out an oomph.
“Mom, Dad, are you two okay?” Cameron called as he walked into the room. He quickly took stock of the room and then stared at her. “Wanda? What’s going on?”
Wanda’s brain finally kicked in, and she reached back for the blanket at the end of the bed and wrapped it around herself. “I, um, was trying to surprise you.”
He looked between Wanda and the other two people in the room. Then he started to laugh.
“I don’t think your friend is amused, dear,” the woman said to him.
Cameron wiped tears from his eyes and nodded. “She’s not now, but she will be.” He smiled at Wanda and then said, “Mom, Dad, meet Wanda. My… friend.”
Friend? Friend! Wanda wanted to shout the word at the top of her lungs. Would someone who was just a friend sneak into someone else’s hotel room and offer themselves up like Thanksgiving dessert? No. She didn’t think so. She and Cameron were not just friends.
She’d show him friends.
With her head held high, she grabbed her clothes, retreated to the bathroom, and less than two minutes later, returned fully clothed. “My apologies,” she said to Cameron’s mother. “I had no idea you were coming with him.”
His mother’s eyes flashed with amusement just the way that Cameron’s often did. “Don’t worry, dear. I’ve done the same thing for his father more times than I can count.”
Oh, no. That was just TMI. Wanda cleared her throat. “That’s great, Mrs. Copeland. Keeps the passion alive, I suppose.”
Why in the hell was Wanda encouraging this conversation? Before Mom could say anything further, Wanda apologized one more time and excused herself from the most awkward situation of her adult life.
“Wanda, wait!” Cameron called as he caught up to her in the hallway. “I’m sorry for laughing.”
She shrugged, pretending it didn’t matter. “Sorry about that. I had no idea.”
“I didn’t either to be honest. They decided last minute they wanted to see Keating Hollow.”
Wanda nodded. “Sure. I can see that. You have been spending a lot of time here.”
He chuckled. “Are you kidding? They don’t care about that. They just wanted to see the town that inspired the television series Miranda and I sold.”
“Right. Okay. I better go. You have your hands full.” She turned to leave but was pulled back into Cameron’s arms.
“I’d rather have my hands full of you,” he said nuzzling her neck.
“I’m sure that’s true,” she said, “but I’d better just be on my way. I wouldn’t want anyone to get the idea that we’re anything more than friends.”
“Oh, dammit,” he muttered, running his hand through his hair.
“Goodnight, Cameron,” she said softly and then left the inn with Cameron staring after her.
***
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Deanna’s Book List
Witches of Keating Hollow:
Soul of the Witch
Heart of the Witch
Spirit of the Witch
Dreams of the Witch
Courage of the Witch
Love of the Witch
Power of the Witch
Essence of the Witch
Muse of the Witch
Witches of Christmas Grove:
A Witch For Mr. Holiday
A Witch For Mr. Christmas
Jade Calhoun Novels:
Haunted on Bourbon Street
Witches of Bourbon Street
Demons of Bourbon Street
Angels of Bourbon Street
Shadows of Bourbon Street
Incubus of Bourbon Street
Bewitched on Bourbon Street
Hexed on Bourbon Street
Dragons of Bourbon Street
Pyper Rayne Novels:
Spirits, Stilettos, and a Silver Bustier
Spirits, Rock Stars, and a Midnight Chocolate Bar
Spirits, Beignets, and a Bayou Biker Gang
Spirits, Diamonds, and a Drive-thru Daiquiri Stand
Spirits, Spells, and Wedding Bells
Ida May Chronicles:
Witched To Death
Witch, Please
Stop Your Witchin’
Crescent City Fae Novels:
Influential Magic
Irresistible Magic
Intoxicating Magic
Last Witch Standing:
Bewitched by Moonlight
Soulless at Sunset
Bloodlust By Midnight
Bitten At Daybreak
Witch Island Brides:
The Wolf’s New Year Bride
The Vampire’s Last Dance
The Warlock’s Enchanted Kiss
The Shifter’s First Bite
Destiny Novels:
Defining Destiny
Accepting Fate
Wolves of the Rising Sun:
Jace
Aiden
Luc
Craved
Silas
Darien
Wren
Black Bear Outlaws:
Cyrus
Chase
Cole
Bayou Springs Alien Mail Order Brides:
Zeke
Gunn
Echo
About the Author
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Deanna Chase, is a native Californian, transplanted to the slower paced lifestyle of southeastern Louisiana. When she isn’t writing, she is often goofing off with her husband in New Orleans or playing with her two shih tzu dogs. For more information and updates on newest releases visit her website at deannachase.com.