Tarot Card Anthology: Synchronicity Volume 1

by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

  "I feel like I'm on trial.” Yves groaned. He stepped toward Ada and reached for her. He grabbed her hand and held it in his. “Cybil told me about this friend of hers. I fell in love with your description so I asked her to introduce us."

  "This whole night was a set up so you could ask me out?” Ada stared in disbelief at Yves, then Cybil, and finally Grace. “What was the kiss? Part of the show or a test? I can't believe you two. My supposed best friends. You must think I am desperate, Yves. Maybe you're the desperate one. This has to be the craziest scheme you've concocted yet, Cybil. I don't know if I'm more embarrassed or humiliated. I'm going home even if I have to call a taxi. Good night!"

  Ada raced to the door. She needed to get out, and away from her traitorous friends before she did something she would regret tomorrow. She loved them dearly, but sometimes they went too far.

  "Wait!” Grace shouted. “Just wait a minute, Ada."

  Ada froze at the tone of Grace's voice. She turned slowly and looked at her. “One minute and then I'm gone."

  "Ada, you would never have gone out with Yves if Cybil had set you up on a blind date. Hell, you haven't even gone out on a date since Jake-the-loser walked out of your life. Don't you care that your friends love you enough to want to find a really nice guy for you?” Grace asked as she tapped her foot on the floor. “Yves is a nice guy and you would never even have given him a chance if you'd met him on a blind date. You think you need to protect yourself, but all you're doing is hiding from the good ones, and dating the bad ones."

  "What about what he wants? He can't want to date a total stranger. Especially not after all this.” Ada looked at him for support. He should be just as mad at them for their matchmaking.

  "You forget that I am the one who asked Cybil to set us up.” He grinned at her.

  "Oh, come on, Ada. He's your type. Tall, dark, gorgeous. Hell if he wasn't my cousin, I'd take him. You're just pissed because we found him for you. Why can't you give him a chance? I know you're interested. I saw the way you watched him from the table and the way you reacted to him on the stage."

  "You're encouraging me to date a traveling magician? I don't want a long-distance relationship, either. Phone sex isn't going to cut it in the long run.” Ada crossed her arms. What argument would they have now? They had to see she was right.

  "I'm settling here. The hotel wants to keep me on year-round. I'll do a few trips to Vegas every year, but other than that I'll be here most of the time."

  Did he think that made it all okay? Ada shook her head. This was ridiculous. Her friends setting her up with a cousin? What was wrong with him that he needed Cybil to find him a date?

  "So what is wrong with you, then?” Ada pinned her glare on Yves. “Why do you need Cybil to set you up on dates?"

  "I don't. I asked her to set me up with you. But trust me, she made it sound like you were my type. After meeting you, though, I don't think you are anyone's type.” He frowned. Perhaps she was being harsh, but this was damned humiliating.

  "I don't know what's gotten into Ada.” Cybil frowned and looked at Grace. “Perhaps this was a mistake."

  Ada sighed. “Finally, you see it my way.” She turned and headed for the door but paused as a flicker of doubt rushed through her.

  Her friends had handpicked him for her. What if they were a better judge? Grace had been right about Jake. Perhaps they were right about Yves. Maybe she'd just blown the chance to take a nice guy home. There was nothing waiting for her at home except for her cat. She glanced back at Yves one last time. Deep in a quiet conversation with Cybil, he didn't notice her hesitation.

  This was a good time for her to try and start over again. The New Year was just around the corner. Do I want to be alone again? But wasn't being alone better than being with a man like Jake?

  The only way she could be with a man was if he wanted to take her to bed. She was far from perfect, so her man didn't have to be either. What harm would there be in a trial run or two with a potential mate?

  Because Yves isn't a potential mate. He's a man you want. But he looks too good to be true and might turn out to be the biggest loser you've ever met. Take a chance and maybe get lucky? Not me.

  Ada groaned at the look on Grace's face. It was too soon to decide if Yves was the right one for her, and alienating the first man to show any interest in her in months was pure stupidity. Her own choices had been bad, so why not try a dating a man her friends had picked? Perhaps they would have better luck finding a suitable match for her. What could it hurt?

  It's too late anyway. You've annoyed him and made yourself look like a monster.

  "Ada?” Yves asked as he walked toward her. “Don't go yet. Perhaps springing this on you like this was a bad idea on our part. It seemed as if you were enjoying yourself until you found out it was a set up. Maybe we should each give the other one more chance."

  "It was my idea to bring you up here,” Cybil said. “Yves thought it would be a good idea for me to tell you ahead of time that this was a blind date, but I knew you'd find an excuse not to come."

  As Cybil's words sank in, Ada thought about it. Her friends were right. She'd gone to great lengths to avoid blind dates. Tonight she'd done her best to push not only her date away, but her best friends, too.

  "I'm sorry.” Ada looked at each of them. “Perhaps I overreacted. It was a bad day, what with the fortune teller and everything."

  Grace smiled, Cybil sniffled, but gave her a weak smile, and Yves looked as stunned as if she'd grown another head. But why wouldn't he think I'm crazy? Haven't I acted that way?

  "We won't set you up on any more blind dates,” Cybil promised. “Just go out with Yves. Give him a chance."

  "You are doing wonders for my ego, Cybil.” Yves groaned.

  "Sorry.” She laughed and patted him on the back.

  "I'm sorry, too. I got upset over something you said earlier tonight and I let it fester until I freaked out on all of you.” Ada turned to Yves. “I'm really not a psycho. But I can't see why a man as handsome, successful, and nice as you would need a blind date. I figured there must be something wrong with you and I made you feel bad. I didn't act very nicely either. Please accept my apologies."

  Yves smiled as he stepped forward. He clasped her hand in his. “I think we got off on the wrong foot. Why don't we start at the beginning?"

  "Okay.” Ada nodded. Maybe the initial attraction she'd felt to him would still be there.

  "Okay then, Cybil and I will just be leaving,” Grace said as she grabbed Cybil's hand and headed for the door.

  "Oh no you don't. You two aren't going to leave me alone with him, are you?"

  "Honey, if you really don't want us to, there is something wrong with you.” Cybil laughed.

  Yves shook his head and led Ada to the door. “No, she's right. Our first date shouldn't be in my hotel room. Why don't we go out?"

  "But not to the bar. I've had enough to drink already.” Ada laughed.

  "I think Grace and I'll jet. Two's company, three is a ménage, and four is definitely a crowd,” Cybil said as she tugged Grace toward the door. “You two children behave yourselves and have fun. And Yves, if the snow gets too bad, just let her sleep on the sofa. I'd hate to think either of you is driving in this weather."

  "But—” Ada didn't get a chance to finish because the door shut. She turned to Yves with wide eyes. “I can't believe they left me here. I mean, I know you're Cybil's cousin and all, but we're virtually strangers."

  "Why are you so nervous, Ada?” Yves asked as he stepped closer, drew in a deep breath and sighed as he moved even closer.

  "Nervous? Ahh...” She licked her lips and stepped back until she reached the wall.

  "Did I misread your signals earlier?” He brushed his lips against her ear and Ada squeaked.

  "Signals? I have no clue ... ahhh...” she moaned when he sucked the bottom part of her earlobe into his mouth.

  "Before the locked box trick, you seemed very into me."

  "That'
s just your ego talking,” she protested breathlessly.

  "Really?” He stepped back and she shivered at the sudden loss of his warmth. “So maybe you'd like to hurry up and catch up to your friends?"

  Ada froze, not sure what to do. He nearly overwhelmed her. She couldn't think clearly and if he hadn't stopped, she'd have probably devoured him. What a shame she had no clue what to do. Oh, she knew how it worked, but never having done it herself she was afraid of making a mistake. This was just way too soon to make love to someone.

  "I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to tease you. I didn't think they'd leave me alone with you."

  "It's my fault,” he said suddenly as he took another step back. “I didn't realize."

  "Realize what?"

  "Grace was dead on accurate when she said Jake never touched you. Isn't that right?"

  Heat climbed up her cheeks as she tried to think of a way to deny it.

  "It's all right, Ada. We'll take it nice and slow. Why don't we go out for a late meal, get to know each other a little. I'll drive you back home and maybe you'll want to see me again."

  "You sure? You don't think I'm a psycho bitch or anything?"

  "No. I think surprising you like we did wasn't a bright idea. We shouldn't have forced you into a blind date. But I really do like you, Ada. I want a chance to explore the way you make me feel. I think there is something special between us."

  Ada smiled and wondered how he could be so perfect. Then she remembered the locked box trick and decided he wasn't perfect after all, but he was close enough.

  THE HIGH PRIESTESS

  by

  Tina Bendoni

  Linda lay back on the lounge chair as she soaked up the Nevada sun's rays. The pool at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas was nearly empty, and she liked it that way. She'd come on vacation to do a little thinking and recharging, and she did it best alone. It wasn't quite warm enough for most people, it being only February, but she wasn't there to swim, she just wanted some sun. Going back home with a tan was one of the reasons she'd chosen the desert for her vacation.

  Relaxed, she thought about the fortune teller her friend Susan had dragged her to at the start of her vacation.

  "Come on, Linda, it'll be fun. This woman is incredible."

  "Susan, this is silly. If the woman could tell the future, she would have won Powerball by now. She's just good at reading people."

  "Come on, you cynic, your vacation officially starts tomorrow. This is my gift to you before you get on the plane."

  Linda sighed and let Susan bring her into the storefront. What did it matter what the woman said, anyway? She was going on vacation and she'd be damned if she wouldn't have the time of her life. She sat down and let the woman do her worst.

  "Beware of hidden knowledge and past conditioning."

  Okay, that wasn't what Linda had expected. She'd prepared herself for the “you will meet a tall, dark and handsome man” speech.

  "Excuse me?"

  "You base too much of your life on your past. Remember the past has passed, the future is yet to be, and you need to live in the present. Trust your inner instincts, but be aware that everything isn't always as it seems, and often intent and hidden knowledge can make all the difference."

  As a social worker herself, Linda was used to telling people to stop living in the past, but being reprimanded by a woman dressed like a gypsy from the nineteenth century was a bit much.

  "I don't live in the past."

  "Perhaps. Perhaps not. I tell you only what the cards say. The High Priestess is a strong card, perhaps it is a good idea that you are going on vacation at this time. That time alone is needed."

  Linda shivered as she remembered the look in the woman's eyes, as though the fortune teller had been trying to warn, or encourage her. But, unfortunately, whatever the message was, Linda didn't understand it. Oh well, she was on vacation, alone, and had plenty of time to dwell on her own thoughts. She didn't need those of a tarot card reader affecting her. The last two days had been wonderful, if a bit lonely, and she didn't expect the rest of her trip to be any different.

  "Nice day, isn't it?"

  The smooth voice sent shivers running over Linda's body, popping goose bumps up as though hit by a cool breeze. A strong, incredibly male presence assailed her senses and screamed at her to open her eyes. Oh my God.

  Linda was knocked speechless at the sight of the most gorgeous man she'd ever seen. Her eyes started at the top and worked their way down his incredible body.

  He was tall, at least six foot four, and had a nice build. His chest was firm and sculpted and tapered down to a slim waist. He wore black bathing trunks that did nothing to hide the size of his—She pulled her eyes back up at that point. The last thing she needed on this vacation was to lust after a man that looked like this one.

  She couldn't see the color of his eyes, but his face was smooth and beautiful, making her hands itch with the desire to run them over the smooth skin. Too early in the morning for even a hint of a five o'clock shadow, but she knew without a doubt that when it started he would be even sexier. His hair was as black as the bathing suit he wore, and styled just long enough to fit his bone structure to a T.

  "Nice day, isn't it?"

  Linda realized she'd spent so much time gaping at the man, that he'd repeated his question.

  He smiled and revealed straight, white teeth that looked perfectly capable of taking a bite out of her. She pictured her nipple caught between those pearly whites as he flicked at it with his tongue. A fluttering deep below her stomach grew at the thought of that mouth latched onto her. Anywhere on her. With a mental yank, Linda made an effort to pull her mind out of the gutter.

  "Not too hot to enjoy some sun without danger of heatstroke after just a few minutes.” He continued his one-sided conversation as though unfazed by her inability to respond.

  "Um, yeah. It is.” Finally she remembered to open her mouth and say something. What did he want? There were plenty of lounge chairs open all around the pool, why did he have to sit here? She watched him as he lay his towel down on the chair beside her before sitting down, sending that gorgeous smile in her direction again, causing her body to scream with the desire to jump his bones.

  "Um, I don't know if there are any waitresses out yet. There haven't been any by since I came out.” He probably figured if he sat close to someone who had been waited on he might get faster service.

  "No problem, just interested in some sun."

  "Okay.” Linda's brain ran with questions. Who is he? Why does he look so familiar to me? What is he doing picking a lounge chair right next to mine? Can't he see I want some privacy? If she ignored him, she would be fine. He wasn't likely to hit on the likes of her. She laughed to herself. Hell, I've been here for two days and haven't even gotten a second look from any male, never mind one who looked like him.

  "So, how long you here for?"

  "Not long.” Maybe if she answered him in short responses, he would leave her alone. She wanted to be alone. The fact her body was screaming for actual contact with his was even more reason for her to avoid him. Been there, done that, got the damn t-shirt. She didn't need any more men like him in her life.

  "You enjoying your stay?"

  Linda took a deep breath. Big mistake. She could smell his cologne. Sandalwood. Of course, it would be her favorite scent. Not a typical cologne, just straight sandalwood. Down, girl.

  "I was."

  She heard him chuckle in response to her rudeness. “Am I bothering you?"

  Sighing, Linda decided to take the bull by the horns. “Actually, no. I was just leaving.” Although she'd had no intention of doing so for at least another hour, she knew if she stayed beside this man for one minute longer, her icy resolve would melt, and she would be flirting like a school girl. Priming herself for another heartache.

  She sat up quickly to gather her things. It was better this way, anyway. She could take a leisurely shower and get ready for the tour to Hoover Dam with time to spare. Sho
oting a glance at her Adonis, she smiled as she left him poolside.

  * * * *

  "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Memer's Dam Tours. Please make yourselves comfortable for the ride to Hoover Dam. It will take us just about an hour and a half to get there, with the planned detours to see some sights of Las Vegas. We will be on our way in just one moment. We have a last minute guest paying and then we will be off."

  Linda barely heard the tour guide as he babbled about their itinerary. She was just eager to be going. She never even noticed the man who sat down beside her just as the bus started moving.

  "Well, hello again."

  That voice. It couldn't be. Linda turned around and there he was, her Adonis from this morning. Looking cheery and friendly, and totally unaffected by her earlier rudeness.

  "How—"

  "My name is Michael.” He put his hand out for hers, and reflexively she put hers in it. Warmth seeped through her body, starting at the hand grasped by his.

  "Linda,” she responded automatically.

  "Nice to finally put a name to the face. I'm glad to see you again."

  What were the odds that he would be on the same tour as I am? In a town of thousands of tourists, hundreds of different tour agencies, how did he end up here, beside me, on the same tour I'm on?

  Easy, Linda, he got the same brochures you did when you checked in. The hotel or at the very least, some of its employees, probably has deals with various agencies across town. It makes perfect sense he would be here on the same tour. And since Vegas is most often a town for couples, as the only other person sitting alone, it is reasonable he would sit with you. A quick glance verified that the seat beside her had been the only one available.

  Linda forced herself to breathe. Coincidence. Purely reasonable coincidence. No reason to panic.

  "Are you alright?"

  Linda looked at Michael. He looked concerned. Nothing else. What did that fortune teller tell me? That she needed to stop living in the past. Not every man she met was out to hurt her. To trust her instincts.

  "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you.” At his continued look, she assured him, “Really, I'm okay. And about this morning..."