A knock on the door brought her thoughts back to the present and she tried to pin a smile on her face as she called out, “Come in!"
Dante's handsome face peeked around the door. Immediately her heart picked up its pace, and her breathing quickened as thoughts of him in this bed with her appeared in her mind. With him keeping her company she'd gladly ask for bed rest.
"Hello, Gorgeous.” A deep flush filled her cheeks as Dante greeted her. He stepped into the room and all she could think was, Damn, can he fill out his uniform. The dark blue shirt and pants with the local station logo on them fit him like a second skin, stretching over well developed muscles.
"What a surprise to see you again. Visiting the children?"
"Yes. Since I was here, I thought I'd stop in and see you again. May I?” Dante gestured to the chair by her bed. She nodded, and he sat down, producing a small bouquet of flowers with a flourish.
"What are the flowers for?” A rush of pleasure raced through her, warming her to her core. Flowers. Why would he bring me flowers?
"I noticed you didn't have any the last time I was here. But now you have a room full.” He looked around at the flowers her friends had either brought or had delivered.
"I appreciate the thoughtful gesture."
"I also wanted to ask you about those burns. I noticed them on your hands, arms and upper body, the part that wasn't covered, that is. And I wondered what exactly burned you.” This time he flushed, probably at admitting peeking at her through the too revealing hospital gown she'd been wearing when they first met.
"You know from the conversation last time you were here, that I'm Wiccan. The burns were magical.” She studied him, watching for a reaction. The one she got surprised her.
"I knew it."
Tamara jumped at his exclamation.
"Sorry. I just knew there was something different about them. I mean, I'm a firefighter. I've seen all kinds of burns, but nothing like yours. What happened?"
When he stared at her, she realized with a start that his eyes were hazel. Her heart thundered in her chest as her grandmother's words came back to her. You'll know him, when the time comes. He'll be a man of fire also, and his hazel eyes will see through you to your very soul. He'll touch you like none other ever could. Without him you'll feel a great loss and sadness, but with him your life will be complete. He'll understand you even better than you understand yourself. He'll be your other half. The part of you that's been missing and you didn't even know you were looking for.
"Tamara?"
With a jolt, she looked down at his hand as it rested on hers. The electricity from his touch still raced through her body, and her magic stirred deep within, flaring to life. She lifted her gaze back to his face and gasped at the flames that flickered in his eyes.
"Blessed Goddess!"
"What's wrong?” he asked, concern etched in his features.
What could she say? That she'd seen deep into his soul and knew he burned as hot as the flames he fought? That he had magic, same as her, but he probably didn't know it? He was as drawn to flames as she was, but did he understand why?
"Okay, now you're scaring me. What's wrong, Tam?"
His touch burned her palm, and she tugged her hand away even as she yearned to feel his heat.
"What? Sorry? I must have been caught up in thought. What did you say?” She shook her head, hoping he thought she was shaking the cobwebs from her brain so she could pay attention to his question. What would she tell him? What could she say?
"Tam? I asked you about the accident. What happened? And why did you panic when you looked at me?"
She drew in a deep breath and blew it out as she shook her head again. “You don't ask easy questions, do you?"
He smiled, but it was hard to miss the concern still apparent in his features.
"We, my coven and I, were casting a few spells down on the beach. It was a waning moon and Sandra thought the—” She stopped mid-sentence and blushed. Why was she jabbering like an idiot? He might have studied religion but it didn't mean he understood all her terms. “Camryn cast her reversal spell, and the cauldron spit flames at each of us. Most of the flames changed, but the one that hit me remained powerful."
"Why and how did it change to hit the others, but remain a flame when it hit you? What did it change to for them?"
"Like draws to like. This might be hard for you to believe, but you're still sitting here asking questions, even knowing I'm a practicing Wiccan, so...” She paused to draw in a deep breath. When he remained silent, she smiled and closed her eyes. She didn't need to see the look on his face when he decided she was crazy.
"Go on, Tam."
"Well Macy is water, so what hit her was a wave of water that almost drowned her. Allison was swept off her feet and thrown against the barrier of our circle of protection. Candace is earth so she was sucked into the ground, and Sandra passed out from the strength of the blast. Nothing happened to Camryn."
"That doesn't sound right."
"No, it doesn't."
"You said you are fire?"
Like draws to like. Her own words echoed in her mind. “Yes. I'm fire."
"What exactly does that mean?” Dante shifted in the chair as if he was uncomfortable.
"I call the south corner and request the element of fire to protect us during our rituals."
"Not to be rude, but it doesn't seem like it protected you."
Tamara laughed. “It all depends. To be quite honest, no it doesn't seem like it protected me, but my burns could have been much worse. We all could have been left in much worse shape than we were."
"And who is Camryn? You said you didn't know if anything even happened to her."
"I don't know. She was the one casting the spell. The words sounded correct to me. She had the right candle, the right phrasing. Perhaps she didn't have the right intent, if she even had one. Perhaps she was using us. Maybe she's playing us for fools and taking advantage of our coven in order to benefit the one she claims to have left."
"Sounds like a lot of maybes."
"And you sound like you believe me.” Tamara stared at him intently, studying his face and his expressive eyes. If he thought she was a nut job, he hid it well. Now she'd really have a hard time ignoring the hunger he ignited in her. Like her magic, flames of desire licked at her insides, burning for release.
As her lust for him grew, Tamara picked at the sheet, wishing her ride had already arrived to take her home. Much more time in here alone with him and she was bound to embarrass herself.
"It looks like your burns healed very quickly. I guess that explains why. They weren't normal burns."
Tamara nodded and looked down at the flowers. She rose and picked up a vase with some dying flowers. She threw them in the trash and washed out the vase, putting off returning to Dante and his questions. After she'd arranged his flowers several different ways, she set them down on the table by the bed.
"I was a little surprised they'd moved you. Actually, I was surprised you were still here. Usually in a case where someone heals as fast as you did, they send them home."
"The burns hurt more than anything else. Even though they looked healed, I'll pay the price for a while longer. At least until the Goddess decides I've paid enough.” Tamara looked toward the door hoping he left before he asked something she didn't want to tell him. “How did you find me, anyway?"
"You and your coven are minor celebrities. It wasn't that hard. When are they releasing you?"
"Today."
"Would you go out to dinner with me tonight?"
"What!” Tamara blinked, trying to hide her shock at his question.
"I'm interested in hearing more about the spell and how you say you call the element fire, and well, I'd just like to see you again."
"Surely you meet more interesting women than me. More acceptable women.” No, this can't be happening. Damn it, Gram. How could you have known this that many years ago? And why did I have to meet him now? Now that I'm dying f
rom cancer.
"More interesting? No. More acceptable? To whom? Tam, I want to get to know you better. I have so many questions I think only you can answer. Please say yes.” He smiled at her, pleading with his eyes and she felt herself weakening.
Damn it. Does he have to be so handsome and so convincing? It wasn't as if she was agreeing to date him. It was more like a business dinner. Yes, if she focused on the business aspect she could do this.
"I have doubts about this, but yes."
"Thank you!” He grabbed her hand and looked into her eyes. “You won't regret it. I'll pick you up about five? Since it's your first night home you probably want to go to bed early, so we'll eat an early dinner. Sound good?"
He talked so fast she had trouble following him. She gave him her address and phone number even as she second guessed her agreement to go out to eat. Is it a date?
"Dinner at five?” he repeated.
"Yes, that's good.” She nodded and stared at him as he quickly rose and headed for the door.
"I have some errands to run, and then I'll stop by to get you. Have a good afternoon, Tam."
Tamara stared after him in shock. Was that Dante or a human whirlwind that just whipped her life into a huge mess and flew out of the room leaving disaster in his wake?
"You look stunned, and speechless. That's something new for you.” Sandra's form filled the doorway for a moment before she entered the room and took the seat Dante had just vacated. “Ooo, it's still warm. Did you have a visitor?"
"Yeah.” Tamara shook her head, something that was rapidly becoming a habit. Dante had left her more confused and agitated than she'd been before he'd visited. “But he left in a real hurry."
"Don't tell me it was the dark-haired man practically running down the hall,” Sandra said.
"It was.” Tamara laughed.
"I said don't tell me!” Sandra laughed as she clapped her hand over her heart. “My Goddess, he's a hunk. I had no idea you had a boyfriend. Why keep that a secret from us?"
"He's not my boyfriend.” Tamara leaned back on the bed and closed her eyes. “He's a stranger who's interested in Wicca and magical fires."
"A thoughtful stranger."
Tamara's eyes flew open as she looked at Sandra.
"I'm assuming the fresh flowers are from him since that's the vase the arrangement I gave you was in."
Instead of answering, she studied Sandra. Her friend acted like her usual vibrant self, but somehow Tamara knew it was a farce. Sandra must not want to worry her, and it made her angry. Sandra not only looked as if something was troubling her, but her clothes were looser then they'd been before the spell, and her blonde hair wasn't as vibrant as usual.
"Talk to me, Sandra. What's wrong? What's going on?"
"I didn't really want to bother you, Tamara, especially since I know you've been thinking about leaving the coven."
Tamara gasped. “How did you know?"
"Ever since you found out you might have breast cancer. And I know you. You're worried that the burns could have made it worse."
"Yeah, but—"
"No buts, Tamara. We love you as you are. Cancer or not. We're not letting you walk away from the coven because you're scared."
"I'm not scared. I accept my fate. I don't have to go happy, but at least I can make sure you're all going to be okay. I'd hoped Camryn could take my place, but after seeing her in action that night...” Tamara shivered, trying to block out the images of that awful night.
"I know you've suffered more than the rest of us, but please don't leave us, Tamara. We need you. I don't want to beg, but I will. We're your friends. If it turns out to be cancer, we'll be there, by your side. You have to admit it was friends and family who helped your grandmother make it as long as she did. Why do you keep pushing everyone away?"
At the mention of her grandmother, Tamara looked out the window and tried to ignore the pain in her heart. At least her mother and grandmother had gotten to live first. They'd both had children, one of them had grandchildren. But no, she hadn't even found someone special. Well, if her instincts were right, she had found him. A little too late.
"You can't ignore me, or hide from life forever. If that hunk was leaving here in a hurry because you chased him out..."
Tamara snorted. “You'll do what? Please, Sandra. Butt out. It's my life. And he had errands to take care of. My guess is he didn't mean to be here as long as he was. So you can stop your matchmaking right now."
"Oh. But he brought you flowers."
"Because he wants something from me.” Tamara made sure not to make eye contact with Sandra. She was really good at detecting lies. Too good.
"What did he want?"
"Dinner."
"Ooo!” Sandra squealed and clapped her hands together.
"And answers. It's no coincidence he's a fireman. He has power in him, I just don't know if he realizes it. Or maybe he does, and that's why he's so full of questions."
"Interesting."
"If you say so. I just want to go home. Now."
Sandra laughed and patted her arm. “Enjoy the rest while you can. Once you go home, you're closer to returning to work, and we all know how much you love that job."
"Hey! I do like my job, thank you very much. Teaching kindergarten is very rewarding. Of course, who knows how long they'll let me keep my job now that they all know I'm a witch. Not that I want to hide who and what I am, but it was nicer when people didn't look at me like I was crazy. Or dangerous."
"Honey, your power is dangerous. In the wrong hands. They are right to be wary, but it's their ignorance that isolates each of us and their fear that makes us scapegoats for their prejudice."
Tamara smiled but tuned out her friend. As much as she loved Sandra, she needed some time alone. Time to figure out what to do about Dante, get ready for dinner, and prepare for her death.
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Chapter 3
Tamara glanced in the mirror yet again. Every strand of her bright red hair stood out on end in a way her hair stylist assured her was the fashion. Personally, she thought it made her look like she'd stuck her finger in an electrical outlet.
She smoothed the lines of the cream colored linen pants she'd paired with a pink sweater. Go for the shock value was her motto. No pink for redheads be damned. She'd wear what she wanted and the hell with anyone who didn't like it.
Giggling to herself, she checked her purse to make sure she had everything she'd need for tonight, and the condom Sandra had shoved at her in the hospital. You never know when you'll need one. I'm going to pray to the Goddess that you'll need one with yummy Dante.
Images of Dante naked, sweaty, and sprawled on her bed flashed in her mind again, but she forced them back into the dark recesses of her mind. As if she'd summoned him, her doorbell rang, and she wondered for the hundredth time how he'd learned her name.
"Hello.” Dante smiled and handed her another bouquet of flowers. If he didn't watch it she'd turn into mush.
Flowers twice in one day? A gal could get used to this.
"You look stunning."
"It's amazing what a person looks like when they aren't in a hospital gown.” Tamara laughed and studied the bouquet.
The flowers had large blooms in brilliant colors. He must have noticed what her friends had sent her in the hospital. As she accepted the flowers, her fingers brushed against his, and a flash of electricity danced up her arm. She shivered and forced a smile as she pulled away.
"Are you ready to go or do you need more time?"
"Why don't you come in while I put these in water and grab a jacket? It's supposed to get chilly tonight."
"Sounds great.” Dante stepped inside and closed the door.
"I'll just be a minute.” Halfway down the hallway she wondered why she felt so comfortable with him. After remembering the rest of her grandmother's comments, she realized the connection hadn't been her imagination. It was because he was the one for her. Only she'd found him when it was
too late.
After she put the flowers in her favorite vase, she returned to the living room and caught him looking at the pictures of her coven on the wall. They weren't just friends. They were also her family, so she'd devoted one wall to not only her altar, but also her coven. It helped at times like this. Times when her mortality loomed like a dark thundercloud overhead.
"Are you ready? Are you sure you feel up to this?"
"Definitely.” Tamara put on her jacket and scooped up her purse. “I need to get out, to do something fun after all that time in the hospital."
Dante grinned and opened the front door. After she locked it, he cupped her elbow and led her to a red convertible with flames painted on the sides.
"Nice ride. I'd never have guessed you to be a pyro."
Dante laughed. “I'm not going to respond to that since I know you're teasing me."
Did he? Was he so sure she was teasing? Tamara looked up to study him as he helped her into the car. His touch sent more shivers up her spine. If he decided he wanted more than friendship she was a goner. With the intensity of the sensual tension filling the small space she knew he had to feel it too.
"So how long have you lived here in Taylorsville?"
"I moved here after Sandra and I met in college. Actually, we all met in college and moved here because of the location and our desire to have our own coven."
"How convenient that there are just enough of you to represent the corners."
Tamara stared at him unsure what he was getting at.
"Remember, I did study religion in college. What they didn't teach me I went out and learned. I'm fascinated by the whole aspect of the religion."
Was that why she was sitting here in his car? Not because he was interested in her, but because he wanted to learn more about Wicca?
"Why? What's the fascination for you?"
"I'm not sure. But when I studied it I couldn't find out enough about it. Worried my family for a little while.” He laughed and glanced at her before returning his eyes to the road. “But it just feels right. Since you're the only Wiccan I know, I was hoping I could ask you some questions and maybe you'd be willing to let me attend one of your meetings."
Witchy Woes Book 1: Tamara Page 2