by Rivi Jacks
CHAPTER TWELVE
Jake has already left to do chores when I wake up, which makes me feel guilty. He didn’t get much sleep. Diane and Emma Rae leave later that morning, and I hurry about the house getting my chores done. About noon, I head for the kitchen and throw together some poppy seed muffins.
One hour later, I’m driving around back of the old plantation home. As I step out of the Jeep, I ask myself again why I’m here. Before I have a chance to knock, the door opens and a small, round woman with the biggest smile stands before me.
“You must be Sofie come in come in.” She holds the door open wide. I hesitate, and she announces, “I’m Brit Lucian and Estella’s sister.” I smile hesitantly, stepping into the warm kitchen and looking around. “Estella is not here but please sit I have been dying to meet you I’ll fix us a cup of tea.” She speaks so rapidly I have to think about what she’s said before I can respond.
I offer her the basket with the warm muffins.
“Oh thank you I loved the pound cake you brought before I am so glad you have come to visit again Estella will be sad she missed you Lucian too.”
I smile and sit at the table. She moves about the kitchen as fast as she talks, setting the teakettle on the stove and placing the muffins on a plate. Brit Zelt is so unlike her sister and brother. Where they are tall and incredibly thin, short and round is the best way to describe Brit. She’s wearing a colorful, long-sleeved blouse with blue jeans.
She brings cups and saucers to the table. “You are probably thinking how different from Estella and Lucian I am we wonder sometimes ourselves how we are exact opposites but it has never been a problem we get on well and I cherish them both.” I take a deep breath for her as she pours tea into our cups. “Estella finds you fascinating since she can usually read a person with no problem but she can’t you why do you think that is?”
She looks at me expectantly until I can catch up to her words.
“I’m... not sure.”
“I bet you are one of those people who cannot be hypnotized I have heard of them but never met one do you think that is your case were you ever hypnotized but could not be hypnotized I mean.” Again with the questioning look.
“Um... I don’t think so.”
“Well just an idea.” She picks up a muffin, and with her first bite, she closes her eyes as if she wants to relish it with no distractions.
“Mmmm you are a good cook Sofie I am going to come and eat lunch at that place where you work someday soon.”
I sip my tea. “Can I buy this tea?”
“It is a blend of herbs and spices Estella grows you won’t find it anywhere else she has such a way with herbs that I don’t have her talents is a source of woe to me what do you think of all the supernatural activity going on in this area?”
Once more, I have to process what she’s said before I can answer. “Um... I’m not sure. It’s... worrisome. I don’t want anyone hurt or...” I can’t say the word. I don’t even want to think it.
Brit glances at me over the top of her muffin. She sets the muffin down and places her hand on mine. “We are here to help and we will do our best to keep anyone from being—” she takes an unfamiliar pause in her speech “—hurt too badly and now that Santiago is here it will be much easier to do our part and find where this gate is and stop the Kihn are you aware a large storm is coming?”
Her rapid speech and sudden change of topic slows my answer. “Um... no.” I wonder how she knows Lucas.
“Yes soon a large storm will cause the Kihn to go into hiding and that is why we have the same trouble as when the gate was in the big canyon so many places for them to hide so many caves we should talk of something more pleasant I heard of your breakup from Nicky.”
I choke slightly on my tea as soon as I realize to what subject she switched. “Uh—” I’m not sure what to say. It’s none of her business, but I realize I like Brit and I don’t want to hurt her feelings.
“Oh I know it is not any of my business but I am curious because I have known Nicky for years and he has dated around but you were different I could tell but Nicky can be selfish and that does not make for a good boyfriend now does it?”
“Um...” Nicky? “No, being selfish is not a good boyfriend trait, and... I don’t mean to be rude, but I need to get home.” I stand and slip on my coat.
“I am so glad you came and please come back to visit again.”
“I will.” I move to the door. “I work Monday through Thursday, and I hope you’ll stop by for lunch soon.”
“See that you are careful as you drive home you do not want to be out on these roads after dark by yourself.”
After a moment, I nod. “Please tell Lucian and Estella hello for me. It was a pleasure meeting you, Brit.”
“I will it was good to meet you finally goodbye Sofie.”
“Goodbye.” I smile as I drive home. Where Estella and Lucian are reserved and concise, Brit is outgoing and... chatty. She certainly is entertaining with something sweet and endearing about her.
At home, I find Wolf on my front porch again. I guess he’s the daytime sentry. All this watching over my house is making me nervous. Jake says the main concern is nighttime. Does this mean it’s not safe for me to go out alone at night? So far that issue hasn’t come up, but I rarely go out alone at night anyway.
Getting ready for the party, I shower and let my hair dry on its own. The length falls to the small of my back in soft curls and waves. When Diane and I shopped at the outlet mall in Lebanon the day before, I found a cute, ruffled, open-front cardigan and a satin-trimmed cami on sale. I add a pair of skinny jeans and the black boots Jordy gave me at Christmas (not to be misconstrued as a present). A touch of makeup and I’m ready, waiting for Sawyer.
Sam steps out of the Jeep to let me sit up front. I look surprised when I slide in, and Sawyer shrugs. I wonder where Rose is. Asking after her, all Sam says is, “She’s sick.”
As we turn on the private lane to Eli’s house, I’m delighted to see mini-lights strung along the fence. Several cars are already parked up and down the driveway—and we’re early.
All the trees in the front yard have clear mini-lights strung among the branches, and every window in the two-story colonial home is aglow.
“Wow. It looks beautiful,” I say, getting excited. The night has a festive feel. I’m sure we’ll have a good time. I leave my heavy coat in Sawyer’s Jeep and loop my arm through Sam’s as we enter the house. The music, seriously loud outside, is deafening inside.
Dawn sees us right off and sweeps me away from my cousins. We go through the house, speaking to friends and family, on our way to the back family room where the bar is located. They’ve moved most of the furniture out, and couples are already dancing. Through the patio doors to the backyard, I see a large fire in the fire pit. Several people are already out there.
Eli, coming in from outside, gives me a hug and wraps his arm around Dawn. He introduces me to a couple of his friends from college, Trey Griffin and Sage Weaver. They are both good looking and attentive right from the start. Eli warns them I’m a favorite cousin and they are to behave. Good grief!
Dawn insists we all have a Jell-O shot, which leads to another. By the time Diane and Jake arrive, I’ve lost my inhibitions and I’m dancing with Trey. He’s a brown-eyed blond with dimples. I love dimples! I’m busy doing my thing, getting into the music, when I notice Nick watching me. Why doesn’t he watch Bobbi? She can’t be that far away.
The song ends and Trey asks me to walk with him to the fire pit. He drapes his jacket across my shoulders as we head out the door. Sam and Sawyer are standing around the fire with Sawyer deep into his plan to “catch” a deer, entertaining the group around him. I don’t know where he comes up with these ideas.
Eli’s outside speakers allow the partiers around the fire pit to enjoy the music, and a Mason jar of moonshine is making the circle. When it reaches us, I barely take a sip. I’ve already had more to drink than I normally do, and the night
is young.
Jackson Drake and Sawyer drag up what looks to be half a tree and toss it on the fire, sending sparks high into the night sky. It’s cedar, releasing a sweetly pungent odor. My cousin Faye and I are visiting when Sage appears beside me.
“Come with me. Dawn needs you,” he says. He doesn’t give me much choice since he takes my hand. Laughingly, I go with him.
It’s not easy getting back into the house with all the people on the deck. Once we work our way inside, we have to wade through a room full of dancers. What Dawn needs me for is another round of Jell-O shots, and Sage insists I dance with him. He is taller than Trey. He’s also an excellent dancer. When the song finishes, Sage dances me to the kitchen for some much-needed water. We enter, laughing, to Bobbi and Nick having an argument. They both look our way.
“You’ve got to be kidding!” Bobbi mutters.
I ignore her. I also ignore Nick. Especially Nick. I open a cupboard and reach for a glass. “Do you want a glass, Sage?” I ask, turning around to find him right behind me. Leaning down, he gives me a kiss. A good kiss.
On the way to the refrigerator for ice, I see Nick and Bobbi from the corner of my eye. Nick is watching me. I fill our glasses and turn to see Nick has left. Bobbi’s glaring at me with murder in her eyes.
As we leave, she steps in front of me. “Why are you such a bitch?” The hatred in her voice is palpable.
I ignore her and move to step around her. She grabs my arm. My natural reflex is to pull away, which I do, but in the minor struggle, my glass of ice water douses her. I promise—I’m not sure how it happened.
“You bitch!” she screams. Several people step toward the kitchen in anticipation of a catfight. One of those people is Nick. Another one is Lucas. What the hell? What is he doing here?
“Nick!” Bobbi wails, throwing herself into his arms. “She threw her drink on me!”
My mouth drops open as Nick shoots me an angry look. Lucas leans against the doorjamb, looking amused. People try to get past him, with little success, to see what’s happening.
“I didn’t—” I try to explain.
“Sofie, I know you’re having a hard time with this, but that’s no reason to get physical,” Nick admonishes. He has his arm around Bobbi, trying to soothe her.
My mouth drops open again. I look at Sage, my expression tinged with amazement.
Sage decides to set things straight. “You’ve got it all wrong. She—” he jerks his head toward Bobbi “—called Sofie a bitch and grabbed her arm. That’s how she got wet.”
“They’re lying!” Bobbi cries.
I set my glass on the counter and leave them to their drama. As I approach the doorway, I glance into Lucas’ eyes. Of course, he’s trying not to smile, which annoys me even more. He moves aside so I can pass, his chuckle rich and deep. I head straight for the family room, join Dawn and Eli at the bar, and enjoy another Jell-O shot. A favorite dance song comes across the sound system and I can hardly stand still, so when Travis Hale asks me to dance, I happily accept.
I’m feeling no pain and having a terrific time. I won’t let Bobbi ruin it for me. A couple of times, I see Lucas through the dancers, watching me. I notice several women around the room, watching him. When the song ends, I spot Emma Rae. I pull her with me to the bathroom.
“What is Lucas doing here?” I ask her as I lock the door.
“He... followed Andy and me.”
“Why?”
Emma Rae screws her face up. “I asked him.”
My mouth drops open in surprise. “Why?”
“I couldn’t be rude, Sofie. He wasn’t doing anything, and I had to ask him.” I blow out an exasperated breath. “What happened in the kitchen between you and Bobbi? I heard you smacked her.”
I might as well leave my mouth hanging open since it mostly stays in that position.
“Come on,” she says. “I need a drink. Let’s go have some fun.”
As we make our way back to the bar, via Flo Rida, Gary Fenton materializes in front of me. Oh, not now!
He leers at me and says, “Sofie, I’ve been lookin’ for you. You look good. Let’s dance.” He grabs my arms, pulling me against him.
Now, I can tell Gary has been drinking. What other reason could he possibly have for his sudden lack of concern for my personal space? But at this point, my mood has significantly altered from the mellow I arrived with, and Gary is in serious jeopardy of receiving great bodily harm to his family jewels.
Even in his inebriated state, Gary realizes his error as he looks into my face. He raises his hands and steps back. “Sorry, Sofie. Sorry.”
Emma Rae turns around, loops her arm through mine, and pulls me along with her once again. She tells Gary over her shoulder, “Her dance card’s full!”
As Emma Rae heads to the bar, I borrow her coat, and make my way out the patio doors, tripping down the steps. Lucas is instantly beside me, reaching out a steadying hand.
“Careful,” he warns, leaning in close. His nearness has its usual disturbing effect, and I jerk, bumping his chin with my head. I giggle. I can’t help it. When I glance up, he flashes a wicked grin, causing my breath to catch and my knees to weaken.
“You’re up to no good, aren’t you?” I ask, my voice sounding breathy. Why does he affect me as he does?
He smiles widely, which doesn’t help my equilibrium one bit. Holding my arm, he leads me to one of the tables scattered around the deck and pulls two chairs close together. Someone wound a string of lights in and out of the railing and overhead in the awning. They’ve also placed propane heaters at both ends of the deck. It’s a nice place to sit a spell on this cold night.
Looking around, I notice the admiring glances he’s receiving. “I need a drink,” I suddenly announce, standing.
Lucas chuckles, pulling me back down. “I think you’ve had enough.”
I give him as serious an expression as I can. “Don’t ever tell me that.”
He grins. “Why?”
That grin causes my brain to stutter. “Because... hell or high water, I’m obliged to continue. It’s a hillbilly thing.”
“Is that right?” He murmurs as he reaches into the inside pocket of his leather jacket and pulls out a flask. As he unscrews the lid, I make a mock show of astonishment, placing my hand over my heart.
“Lucas Santiago, you’re full of surprises!”
He hands me the flask, and I smell the tequila before I take a sip. “That’s the first time you’ve ever said my name.” He peers at me from under his lashes.
I soon discover being tipsy does not make me immune to his eyes. I do a slow blink. “That can’t be,” I deny, softly.
“The first time you’ve ever said my name to me.”
I take another sip, feeling the alcohol warm me. I return the flask and he turns it up, taking a long drink. I watch his throat as he swallows. Damn, he’s hot. He sets the flask down and raises one of those black eyebrows at me.
“I don’t feel comfortable around you,” I admit. Evidently, being a little tipsy makes my tongue loose too.
“Why is that?” He pushes the flask toward me, and I take another sip. At his intense look, I take another one.
“You make me... feel funny when I look at you,” I blurt, my voice soft.
“Hmmm—you make me—have naughty thoughts when I look at you,” he confirms.
My gaze flashes to his silvered one. “Well, don’t,” I say breathlessly.
He leans over, lifting me up and setting me on his lap with ease. “I can’t seem to stop.”
A surge of pure lust courses through my body as his warm breath brushes my neck, and I shiver. His arms encircle me, and I snuggle in close to his warmth. What can I say? I’ve had too much to drink. And he feels good.
His face is sort of buried in my hair. “You smell incredible.”
His voice causes my stomach to clench, and I giggle in defense, now nervous. I pull away, seeking the flask, but before I can get my fingers on it, he pushes the container
out of my reach.
“Hey! I need that to keep me warm.”
“I’ll keep you warm.”
My breath hitches at the timbre of his voice and I look directly into hooded eyes. Oh my. Something passes between us. I’m not sure how to describe it, but it feels like... looking into the future. I know it doesn’t make sense, but I suddenly perceive a deep sense of connection to this man. This scares the hell out of me. He scares the hell out of me. I close my eyes tightly, afraid of the sensation, and remind myself to just—breathe.
“Easy,” he whispers, soothingly. I open my eyes slowly. He tucks a lock of hair behind my ear and his thumb strokes the side of my face, causing me to inhale sharply.
Diane chooses that moment to come up on the deck. She’s been at the fire pit watching us. Later, I’ll be grateful, but at the moment—I’m not sure. “Sofie!” She pulls me off Lucas’ lap.
“Diane...” I search Lucas’ eyes, wanting to hold on to our connection, but the moment is gone. He smiles gently. I look at Diane and hiccup. “Lucas is keeping me warm.”
Diane glances at the flask and gives Lucas a withering glare. “I just bet he is. Come on, let’s go out by the fire.” She pulls me across the deck and down the steps. I glance back and meet Lucas’ dark stare. I also catch sight of Lindy Wells as she sits in the chair beside him.
“What are you doing?” Diane hisses, pulling my attention back to her. “You told us to help you steer clear of that guy, and what? You’re sitting on his lap, for Pete’s sake!”
“Aww, Di... you’re a good friend,” I tell her, hiccupping again.
The group around the fire is loud and boisterous, telling jokes, sharing stories, and passing the hooch. When it gets to me, before I can take a sip, Diane grabs the jar and passes it on. I give her a frown.
Someone calls from across the fire. “Hey, Sofie? I heard you knocked Bobbi Lynn on her ass!”
Boy, that story’s growing. Everyone laughs, and a new wave of stories begins.