Alora's Love Potion; Short Story Collection

by Rosalie Redd

  BE WITH ME: A WARRIORS OF LEMURIA SHORT STORY #2

  Jo McCallum has a penchant for bad boys, the ones that screw up her life then run when things get tough. Charlie Ridgefield has had enough of princess-type girlfriends with mile high expectations. When Charlie stops to aid Jo and her disabled car, it’s more than the car’s engine that gets overheated.

  CHAPTER 1

  J o popped another candy between her lips. Her mouth watered as the crunchy outer shell mixed with the bittersweet taste of chocolate. Was there anything better? She pressed her back against the VW Rabbit’s seat, but the lumpy frame poked into her ribs. The evergreen trees lining the winding road seemed endless, and a long sigh eased from her chest.

  She’d borrowed the car from her roommate, Cassandra, so she could visit Emily in Scappoose. The thought of her sister brought a round of tears to her eyes, and she clenched her teeth. Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry. Even as she willed herself not to, the tears streaked down her cheeks.

  She wiped them away with a quick swipe and pounded her fist on the steering wheel. “Justin, you cheat!”

  Emily’s long-time boyfriend had dumped her for another woman, and Jo had raced to her sister’s side to offer what comfort she could. Her sister’s puffy eyes were a reminder that men could be cheats. She’d told Emily that there was a better man out there for her, but her sister wasn’t convinced. Jo’s heart clenched—not like she had a sterling example.

  She’d met her last boyfriend at a bar, drawn to his leather jacket and motorcycle helmet. His risk-taking attitude and rebel nature was an attraction she wasn’t able to refuse. When he’d asked to borrow her car, she’d let him—stupid mistake. He’d promptly rear-ended a pickup truck, totaling her old reliable Corolla. That was the last time she’d seen him, well over a month ago.

  She clenched the steering wheel, her knuckles turning white. “I guess we know how to pick ’em, don’t we Em.” Grandma had always said their soulmate was out there, somewhere. Jo shook her head. Based on the men she’d seen so far, that was pure fantasy.

  The Scappoose-Vernonia Highway wound down the hill toward Highway 30. Once there, the drive was a quick trip back to Portland and the apartment she shared with Cass. A brilliant display of orange and pink lit up the clouds as the late winter sun called it a day. A few stars twinkled in the darkening sky, and the pine trees lining the road seemed to welcome the night into their embrace.

  Eerie shadows appeared on the blacktop, sending a shiver up Jo’s spine. She flipped on the car’s lights. Two strong beams illuminated the pavement, chasing away the darkness.

  Her stomach clenched around a ball of frustration. Tears threatened once again. Suck it up—Jo. A need to ease the ache raced through her veins. Chocolate. With her gaze intent on the road ahead, she reached into her purse. Her fingers grazed the top of the sack, crinkling the bag shut.

  A narrow curve came into view, and she pulled her hand free to grip the wheel. Tires squealed as she rounded the bend. Her heart fluttered. Tapping the brakes, she eased the car into a slower pace. A lone car passed going the other way.

  Her stomach rumbled, and her sugar addiction pulled on her psyche full force. Grabbing the handle on her purse, she yanked the bag closer. The soft leather rested against her thigh, and the scent of her favorite confection filled her senses. She shoved her hand inside. The deluxe-size bag of candy evaded her reach, as if it had a mind of its own.

  “For Pete’s sake!” She rummaged around, her hand grazing pens, a small notebook, her lip gloss, a mirror, a—

  Her fingers closed over the small vial Cass had given her a couple of months ago. She’d forgotten about the special bottle.

  Cass had found the strange flask while on a hike in Forest Park. She claimed it contained a love potion, insisting the bottle had brought her and Adam together. With a sly smile, she’d given the vial to Jo and made her promise not to open it until she’d met the right man. Cass seemed so happy, but a magic love potion? Hardly…

  Jo shoved the vial aside, intent on getting to her favorite candy. The bag crinkled as her fingers gripped the wrapper. Success! She reopened the top and grabbed a handful of colorful delight. After a mouthful or two, the sugar buzz raced through her veins, making her scalp tingle. Even knowing she should stop, she popped a few more into her mouth.

  Ok, enough of that.

  She tossed her purse onto the backseat, out of reach.

  Darkness descended, the winter sky—almost black. Goosebumps rose along her arms and even through her coat, she shivered. She reached for the heater.

  A deer burst from the bush and raced across the street. The car’s headlights lit up its white tail as the doe disappeared amid the trees. Jo took her foot off the gas. Deer usually roamed in groups—

  Another white-tail bounded from the bushes. Jo slammed on the brakes.

  Time seemed to slow.

  Tires squealed.

  A flash of black fur and the glint of white teeth reflected in the headlights.

  A loud thump.

  The car shook from the impact.

  Jo’s forehead slammed into the steering wheel. Pain exploded at her temple and radiated down her neck. White spots formed in her vision and she fought for consciousness. Through the windshield, the trees seemed to race toward her. The car came to rest on the road’s soft shoulder, mere inches from a giant fir tree.

  Headlights dimmed then went out. The engine died. A deafening silence made her ears ache, or maybe that was a result of her spinning head.

  She leaned back in the seat and rubbed her forehead. Blackness enveloped her, but she held on to consciousness. Thanks to the last bite of candy, a wracking cough burst from her lungs. Her head pounded all the harder, but the pain kept her awake.

  When the fit was over, she glanced out the window. The deer…

  Jo loved animals, and her heart clenched. What if the doe was hurt or worse? Wait. The last animal she’d seen wasn’t a deer. She’d seen what? A large black cat…a panther?

  She pulled on the handle and pushed against the heavy door. A loud, angry screech rang into the night as metal scraped against metal. Heart pounding, she escaped. The door shut with a renewed wail.

  The stars didn’t provide much light, and the moon was barely a sliver, but a quick movement from the middle of the road caught her attention. As she focused her eyes on the form, a loud cry emanated from the creature and echoed through the trees.

  The hair on her scalp stood on end.

  A large cat pulled itself to a standing position. Even in the meager light, its dark fur gleamed. The creature shook its head, as if clearing away the effects of the crash.

  Jo gasped and held her breath. Her mind screamed “run,” but her legs felt thick, like tree trucks firmly rooted to the ground.

  The panther turned toward her, and a pair of yellow eyes glowed in the darkness. A slow snarl built into another scream, and the cat loped into the bushes.

  She bit her lip. Maybe I’m losing my mind. No more chocolate for me.

  CHAPTER 2

  J o’s head pounded, as much from the incredible image of the black panther, as her date with the steering wheel. A rush of nausea raced up her throat. Maybe she’d hit her head harder than she’d realized. She touched the inflamed spot at her hairline and winced. A small bump had formed. She glanced at her fingers—no blood. Relief flooded through her bloodstream.

  She placed her hand against the car for support. Her body shook, the aftereffects of the crash taking hold. I should call for help. With a shaky hand, she reached for her phone, but her back pocket was empty. Her shoulders slumped forward as she exhaled. The phone was probably lost in the car somewhere.

  On unsteady feet, she shuffled toward the bumper to assess the damage. Gravel crunched under each step, sending a new spike of misery into her brain. Even in the dim moonlight, the extent of the damage was evident. The car’s hood was bent in the middle, dented from the collision with the giant cat. Steam rose into the air, and the ste
ady rush of leaking antifreeze emerged from the dead vehicle.

  Warm sweat coated the skin on her arms and back, and she unzipped her coat to let in the cool late-winter air.

  Twin beams of light broke through the darkness. As the vehicle grew closer, the outline of a large pickup truck came into view. The owner slowed, and then pulled the vehicle onto the shoulder. In the silence of the night, the motor’s gentle purr reminded her of the large cat.

  The engine stopped, but the lights remained on, their beams casting strange shadows amongst the trees at the edge of the road. With a soft click, the driver’s door opened. Backlit from the cab’s interior light, a tall man with broad shoulders emerged.

  “Hey, you need assistance? I’m a volunteer first responder for the fire department.” The timbre of the man’s voice tittered along Jo’s nerves, soothing them.

  As he approached, his stride was confident, bold, determined. Dark hair curled around his ears and a five-o-clock shadow covered his chiseled jaw. She couldn’t quite make out the color of his eyes, but the dark outline of his lips was a temptation all their own.

  “Do you need medical attention?”

  Up close and personal, his unique musky fragrance filled her senses. He was swoon-worthy, and she couldn’t do anything else but enjoy his heady scent.

  “Hey, you ok?” He gripped her elbow and even through the coat, a tendril of heat radiated up her arm.

  “I’m fine. I hit my head on the steering wheel, but I think I’m ok.” She rubbed at the spot on her forehead. The lump was a bit larger and still tender to the touch. She saw his eyes for the first time. They were a deep chocolate brown, almost black in the dim light. He seemed familiar, but she couldn’t place him.

  He smiled and his confidence and poise lent her to believe he could help her. “Just to make sure you’re thinking clearly, can you tell me your name and where you are?”

  “Jo…and I’m near Scappoose.”

  “You appear well enough for the moment. Let me get my medical kit. I want to check your pupils.” With a gentle strength, he gripped her arms and leaned her back against the car’s door. He studied her with an intensity that unnerved her…and excited her at the same time. “I’ll be right back.”

  Releasing her, he took his warmth with him, and she felt cold, alone, and empty. She shivered, and drove the unwanted emotions from her mind.

  The handsome stranger returned a few moments later with a large red tote and a flashlight. He placed the box at her feet and opened the lid. His beam lit up the contents, an assortment of tape, gauze, scissors, and various medical supplies laid out in an immaculate order. Impressed at his preparedness, she could only stare at this unique man.

  He shoved the flashlight in his back pocket, and then pulled out a small pen-light. Click. The light cast a small beam over her shoulder. He towered over her, and his masculine presence sent a rush of warmth to her cheeks.

  “I’m going to flash this light into your eyes—check your pupils. Ok?”

  She gave him a quick nod. He gripped her chin, and despite his rough, calloused hands, his touch was soft, gentle. The skin-on-skin contact sent coils of electricity along their connection.

  A bright light flicked through her vision, sending a spike of pain into her head. She flinched.

  “I’m sorry, Jo.” His tone was sincere and thoughtful.

  This man’s attention was so different from the usual, rough men she’d known in the past. She melted under his scrutiny.

  “Your pupils constricted and were equal, so you don’t have a concussion.” He released her and stepped back. “Are you hurt anywhere else?”

  “Other than a few bruises, I’m fine.”

  “What happened?” He examined the front of her car, using the flashlight to zero in on the damage.

  The mangled front looked so much worse under the light’s glare. “I hit a…” She bit her lip and glanced at him.

  He raised an eyebrow, studying her.

  She swallowed and managed to find her voice. “Two deer ran across the road. I didn’t see the large…cat until it was too late.”

  His eyes widened. “A cougar?”

  Was that what she’d seen? Perhaps. That made more sense than a…a what? A black panther? “S…sure. A cougar.”

  “There have been other recent sightings of cougars in the area.” He glanced around. “Where’s the body?”

  “The animal ran away.” She wouldn’t tell him about the glowing yellow eyes.

  “The cat survived?” His focus returned to the front of her car. “How is that possible?”

  With his furrowed eyebrows and pursed lips, he seemed delectable. She couldn’t help but wonder if his lips were as soft as they appeared.

  He peered at her. “Have you called for a tow truck?”

  She relaxed against the car door once again. “No. I was about to, but I think I lost my phone in the crash and then, you arrived.”

  “Let me call one for you.” He pulled his phone from his back pocket.

  Her chest constricted as the ramifications of what happened caught up with her. “T…T…Thank…” She choked on the words and had to swallow before she could continue. “Thank you for helping me. I…I don’t even know your name.”

  “Name’s Charlie. Charlie Ridgefield.” He shrugged. “Not a popular name in today’s world, but I was named after my grandfather.”

  “Charlie… Oh, you’re the vet in Scappoose. Aren’t you?”

  A sexy smile formed on his lips. “Why yes…have you been in my clinic?” He blinked. “With a pet, I mean.”

  “Tigger, my cat was in about six months ago. Cat fight. Needed stitches on his ear. You fixed him up perfect.” She remembered him now. His attentive nature and gentle demeanor with Tigger had left her wanting a man like him.

  Even in the dim light, the smile that tugged at his mouth intrigued her. “Say…I remember you. You said your name was Jo?”

  Her heart skipped a beat. “Jo McCallum.”

  “Jo? Hmm…that’s interesting, but I’ll bet that’s not your real name.”

  Her cheeks heated. “Jo is short for Joelle.”

  He chuckled, and the sound reverberated into her chest, warming her on the inside. “Joelle…I like the sound of that. Nice to see you again. Let me make that call.”

  As he tapped his finger across his phone and placed it to his ear, the screen’s glow lit up his strong features. The intensity in his eyes drew her to him like a moth to a flame. Why couldn’t a decent man like him fall for her? All she seemed to attract were the jerks, the users. A ball of frustration knotted in her stomach.

  She shook her head…and wished she hadn’t as her pounding pulse caused her injury to flare. A nice bruise would form for sure. While he talked to the tow company, she peered inside the car. Shadows filled the interior, but even in the dim light the devastation was apparent. Her purse lay upended on the floor. Make-up, pens, papers, chocolates, and the rest of the contents were strewn across the backseat and on the floor mats.

  She sighed as the revelation hit her.

  The contents of her purse were like the men she’d had in her life. They stayed with her until something bad happened, then they scattered to the wind, leaving her broken and on her own to pick up the pieces. She curled her hand into a fist. Never again.

  CHAPTER 3

  “Tow truck’s on its way.” Charlie stepped beside her.

  Even with their coats between them, his warmth filtered into her. She shivered, but not from the cold.

  “You must’ve been going pretty fast to have that much damage.” He scanned the darkened forest. “I hope the cougar isn’t too badly injured.”

  She ground her teeth and turned to face him. When she spoke, her words came out in a rush. “After the first deer ran across the road, I slowed down. I wasn’t going that fast.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Were you wearing a seatbelt?”

  So upset about Emily, she’d forgotten to buckle up. Chagrined, she let out a
slow exhale. “No, I forgot.”

  A slow smile graced his mouth. “With no airbags in an old vehicle like that one, and all you received was a bump on the head, you’re lucky your injuries weren’t worse.”

  A rush of heat raced up her neck. “This is a pretty deserted stretch of road. I’m glad you came by when you did.”

  “I was heading home, long day at the office, so to speak. My little ones keep me busy.”

  Jo’s heart skipped a beat. Was he married? She couldn’t stop herself from glancing at his left hand. No ring, but that didn’t mean he was available. “You have kids?”

  He chuckled. “Well, my kids are my patients.”

  Jo’s muscles relaxed, and she let out a tense breath, one she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. “As a vet, that explains your concern over the cougar.”

  “I care about all animals, prefer them actually. They make more sense to me than humans most of the time.” He shrugged, but even through his nonchalance and the bitter tone of his voice, she could tell he carried his own scars.

  “I know what you mean. People can let you down.” The list of men in her life who had done that scrolled through her mind.

  He took a step toward her, and his masculine scent invaded her senses once again. The lines around his eyes creased, and his gaze met hers. “A pretty woman like you shouldn’t be out here all alone. I’ll wait for the tow truck with you, if you’d like, make sure you’re safe.”

  Aware of his attention, heat rose to her cheeks. All the previous men in her life would’ve rather run for the hills than help her at a time like this. His concern broke through one of the walls around her heart. Despite that she knew nothing about him, he seemed trustworthy.