Out of the Broomcloset

by Ashlyn Chase

  Published Internationally by Lachesis Publishing Inc.

  Rockland, Ontario, Canada

  Copyright © 2016 Ashlyn Chase

  Exclusive cover © 2016 Holly Kennedy

  Inside artwork © 2016 Joanna D’Angelo

  Previously published as Out of the Broom Closet in 2005

  Revised and Expanded as:

  Out of the Broom Closet

  Book 3: Love Spells Gone Wrong Series

  Copyright © 2016

  All rights reserved. The use of any part of this publication reproduced, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the publisher, Lachesis Publishing Inc., is an infringement of the copyright law.

  A catalogue record for the print format of this title is available from the National Library of Canada

  ISBN 978-1-927555-77-4

  A catalogue record for the Ebook is available from the National Library of Canada Ebooks are available for purchase from

  www.lachesispublishing.com

  ISBN 978-1-927555-76-7

  Editor: Joanna D’Angelo

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any person or persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Dedication

  To my fans and friends . . . many of whom have become both. Your enthusiasm continues to inspire me.

  Acknowledgments

  I owe a debt of gratitude to Sherrilyn Alden and Lynne Karam, Wiccan high priestesses who taught me almost everything I know about the craft.

  Thanks also to my agent Nicole Resciniti, and my editor Joanna D’Angelo. I had plot holes you could lose an SUV in until they pointed them out. This is why I believe in having a good critique partner and a professional editor before anything reaches the reader. You deserve the best!

  Reviews

  These reviews are for the previously published version written by Ashlyn Chase under the pen name Cyndi Redding. The original ebook was published in 2005. Now rewritten and expanded, we think this version is even better.

  Romantic Times BOOKclub

  Erotic Romance (Paranormal E-book)

  4 Stars

  Reviewer: Susan Mitchell

  Redding puts a magical new spin on a classic stalker tale. A strong independent heroine and an alpha hero out of his league make this a beguiling and bewitching treat.

  * * * * *

  Sizzling Reviews

  5 Flames

  Reviewer: Jodi

  OUT OF THE BROOM CLOSET is a truly magical blend of romance and suspense. Fast paced action, and a very human monster looming around the corner made this book impossible to put down. A fabulous book. This reader can't wait for Ms. Redding’s next.

  * * * * *

  Just Erotic Romance Reviews

  Rating 5 Stars

  Reviewer: Julie Esparza

  Out of the Broom Closet is a fascinating story filled with a rich tapestry of characters and plot. Ms. Redding fills out her characters completely . . . When they get to sex, it is hot, heavy and non-stop! Ms. Redding has tackled a very real problem many women face in a different way . . . I suggest this book for those who like books about magic, like a good thriller, or want a warm hot book to curl up with on a lonely night when your partner has conked out before you!

  * * * * *

  Romance Junkies

  4 Blue Ribbons

  Reviewer: Gail

  . . . Humorous overtones and witty repartee are just part of this very entertaining novel. There is a host of interesting characters, which added to my overall enjoyment of reading; OUT OF THE BROOM CLOSET . . . It is a fun book, hot, very sexy and super entertainment. A super novel and one definitely worth reading.

  * * * * *

  Coffee Time Romance

  4 Cups

  Reviewer: Carla Vail

  Cyndi Redding does a fabulous job of creating interesting characters. The story was filled with intrigue and depth.

  * * * * *

  Fallen Angels Reviews

  4 Angels

  Reviewed by Johanna

  Hot and sexy, Out of the Broom Closet is a fun read. The right amount of suspense and danger mixed with bits of humor and passion make for a pleasure of a story . . . You will enjoy Michelle's magical doings and wish you could use a few tricks yourself and at the same time dream of a Vic of your own to very closely guard your body!

  Also Available

  The Cupcake Coven

  Book 1: Love Spells Gone Wrong Series

  Tug of Attraction

  Book 2: Love Spells Gone Wrong Series

  Out of the Broom Closet

  Chapter 1

  Michele Erikson needed a damn good spell and fast. Business was down to a crawl and she was losing her dream. Waiting in line at her local bank to make her shop’s meager deposit, she sighed, realizing how carefully she’d need to word it. The Goddess could be notoriously literal and prosperity spells were easily confused with fertility spells. No, that wouldn’t be good at all.

  As her gaze wandered around the bank she thought of the kind of spell she could craft. Her eyes landed at the bank’s drive-up window. A silver van approached, clearly revealing the driver. Suddenly her mouth went dry. It couldn’t be!

  Ducking below the counter just before the women in front of her left, she debated her next move. Get out of line and hide behind the rubber tree plant until he drove away? That wouldn’t look weird, would it? She mentally rolled her eyes at herself.

  Before she could do anything, the teller leaned forward and tried to make eye contact.

  “Miss? Are you all right?”

  Now what? Michele disguised her voice, using a higher pitch. She tossed the zippered bag over the counter and replied, “I’m fine. I’d just like to make a deposit.” She sounded like a child. Well, good. Maybe if the freak in the van looked over, he’d think she was a child—not the woman he’d been stalking for months.

  The teller hesitated. Michele was afraid she might come around the counter to see what her problem was. “I’m in kind of a hurry,” she squeaked.

  “Ooookay.”

  The sound of coins and cash indicated the teller was counting, therefore processing, her deposit. Whew. And for once she was grateful there wasn’t much to count. Her fight or flight instinct kicked in big time and she had to flee. She removed her distinctive silver rings, which might identify her to anyone seeing her hands. Meanwhile, she listened intently to the conversation between the driver and the teller at the window. He didn’t say much, but she recognized his voice.

  It was Donovan Grant.

  If only she could disappear. Why didn’t I try the invisibility spell?

  The cashier finally finished the deposit and set the bag and deposit slip on top of the counter. Michele snatched the corner of the bag and pulled it down without showing her hand. She caught the deposit slip as it fluttered toward the floor.

  Without offering her usual ‘thank you,’ she slinked off to that rubber tree plant where she could see the cars driving by, and hoped the drivers couldn’t see her. As she waited for the van to pull away, the security guard approached.

  She held up one palm as if to say, “Stop right there.” To her relief, he did. She peered through the glass doors again and saw the van drive off. Letting out a huge sigh of relief, she sagged against the wall.

  “Ma’am? Do you need a doctor?”

  “No thanks. I need a miracle.”

  * * * * *

  Michele burst through the back door of her shop The Enchanted Broom, black broom skirt and long blonde hair flapping. She to
re past the shelves of herb jars and grimoires and shouted to her best friend and business partner behind the counter.

  “Savern, lock the door, turn out the lights, quick!”

  “What the . . . “

  “Just do it.”

  Savern, who looked like a black elf in a hunter green maternity tunic and matching stretch shorts, hopped down from her stool and jogged around the counter. Michele closeted herself in the windowless room they used as an office, storeroom, and classroom. Shaking, she hid behind the shoji screens, which separated the forward public section from the office and storage areas in back. Maybe I could empty a box and crawl inside.

  Michele braced herself against the wall and waited anxiously until the front door clicked and the corridor darkened. Letting out a long sigh, she slid to the floor.

  Moments later, Savern appeared. With her ebony skin, she was barely visible in the unlit room. “Would you mind telling me why we’re closing in the middle of the day?”

  Michele couldn’t control the trembling in her body. “Because I just saw Donovan Grant, that’s why.”

  “Donovan who?”

  “The guy who was stalking me back in New Hampshire.”

  “Lord and Lady! I knew you moved here because your old boyfriend gave you the creeps, but I didn’t know he was stalking you.” Savern hastened to Michele’s side, helped her to the beige canvas futon, then sank down next to her. “Is this the guy who practices black magic?”

  “Yeah.” Michele frowned and nervously picked at her skirt. “I didn’t tell you much about it, because I didn’t want to give energy to the universe and attract the asshat through negative thoughts. I can’t stand being under his control.”

  “So, what do you think he’s doing in Daytona Beach?”

  “I don’t know, but I doubt he’s interested in NASCAR racing.”

  Savern put an arm around Michele and spoke softly. “Where did you see him?”

  “I was inside the bank. I could see him through the drive-up window. The psycho tattooed freak was sitting there in his silver van.”

  “There’s no doubt in your mind it was him?”

  “Absolutely none. It was Donovan Grant.” Tears blurred her vision and she tried to will them away.

  Savern inhaled deeply. “What do we do?”

  “This is my problem. I need to get out of town. There’s no reason you can’t keep the shop. It belongs to you and Alex as far as the bank is concerned.”

  “You can’t keep running like this,” Savern argued. “This shop was your dream too, remember?”

  Michele’s composure broke. She slumped over and held her head in her hands. “Why me? Why now?”

  Savern pulled her into a hug and patted her back. “It’ll be all right. We’ll deal with this. But, right now I need to deal with the candles I have lit out front so I don’t burn our dream to the ground. Will you be okay for a minute?”

  “Of course.” She sniffed. “Don’t tell me you’re doing another love spell?”

  “What makes you think it’s a love spell?”

  Michele leaned back and sighed. “Because I smell rose anointing oil and because you’re always doing love spells.”

  Savern flashed a bright smile that lit up her face and made her slightly pointed ears rise enough to peek through her short, straightened hair. “So? I want help to raise my baby. A husband is cheaper than a nanny. Don’t judge. I’ll be back with the candles in a minute.”

  “Be careful what you wish for,” Michele called after her. Then she let her head fall backward and rest on the futon. An ugly vision of Donovan crowded her mind and sent a shiver spiraling through her. Staring at the painted stars on the ceiling, she whispered, “Dear Goddess, there must be a way to escape him. Help me.”

  Savern returned several minutes later. Michele didn’t even raise her head as if she had become a deflated balloon.

  Savern placed a tray with three lit pink tapers on the table. A warm glow flickered about the shadowy room. “I called Alex,” she said.

  “You what?” Michele snapped to attention.

  Savern, with hands on her hips, looked prepared for battle. “For the love of . . . I thought you moved down here to be closer to your stepdad, as well as me. Now buck up. We’re not in high school anymore.”

  “Yeah, but you know how protective Alex is. Who knows what he’ll do if he finds Donovan?”

  Savern folded her arms and leaned against the wall. “Maybe you need protection. Forgive me for trying to help.”

  “I’m sorry.” Michele collapsed into her previous posture and sighed. “I’m not upset with you. I’m furious, but you’re not the reason.”

  “I figured that. I also thought the police should be notified, so I called them too.”

  “You did? What did you do that for?” Michele shook like a simmering volcano about to erupt in angry tears. “You know they won’t help until he tries to kill me—again!”

  “Look, girl. You’ve gotta talk to them. The more reports they have on file, the more serious it will be taken by the judge when you go for a restraining order.”

  “That’s a load of crap.” Michele rose, reached up to a high hook on the wall and grabbed a long spool of cord. “They can’t restrain magic.”

  Savern shook her head. “You’ve got to get a restraining order. Magic is good, but sometimes you have to use common sense too.”

  “Look, you said you wanted to help. Let’s start by knotting every protection spell we know of into this cord. Maybe if I’m lucky, I’ll get to strangle him with it.”

  Savern shot her a disapproving look.

  “I know. I know. But I can’t help being angry.”

  Savern nodded. “I’ll get the book.”

  Michele pulled the cord arm’s length to her shoulder nine times to measure the proper length while Savern retrieved the giant leather-bound tome they kept hidden beneath the desk.

  “Please don’t panic, hon. You’re not alone,” Savern said.

  “I should be. Everyone I love is in danger.”

  * * * * *

  Vic Matthews lunged for the ringing phone in his home office. One of his most trusted employees said he’d call if he changed his mind about quitting the bodyguard business. Vic couldn’t believe that the six-foot-four, two-hundred-seventy-pound former NFL linebacker refused to accept another bodyguard assignment because his girlfriend told him not to.

  Vic’s former NFL career had never hinged on anyone, even when he was married. He admitted that could be one reason he was now divorced.

  Giving his fellow ex-football jocks a meaningful job filled him with satisfaction and pride. Often the pro ball players had blown much of their money on women with expensive taste, four-carat diamond studs and opulent homes. They usually worked for Vic in a heartbeat. Now he’d have to begin recruiting again.

  “Hello,” he barked into the phone.

  “Uh . . . is this the Guaranteed Guards agency?”

  Vic settled into his chair and wished he had checked caller ID. “Yes. Vic Matthews here. How can I help you?”

  “My name is Alex Blake. I may be in need of your services for my stepdaughter. I understand that you specialize in providing bodyguards?”

  “That’s right. What’s her situation?”

  “Stalker. An ex-boyfriend from New England. She’s been running from him for six months now. Frankly, I’m sick of being scared to death and I’m sure she is too.”

  Vic leaned back in his chair. “What makes you think he’s still a threat?”

  “Michele moved here to get away from him. She just established a small business with a friend of hers. We thought she was finally rid of him, and her luck was just beginning to turn around, but then she spotted him yesterday when she was at the bank.”

  Vic sat up, prepared to take notes. “Tell me more about the stalker.”

  “Before I do that, I’d like to know more about your company.”

  “Sure. Most of my guys are former professional athletes. Mostl
y ex-football players. They make exceptional bodyguards. They’re tough, their size is intimidating, and their peripheral vision and reflexes can’t be matched. I’m employing more and more ex-military too. People with special forces training.”

  “Sounds perfect. How soon can you tackle this problem?”

  Vic ignored the obvious pun. He’d heard it before. “Tell me more about the boyfriend.”

  “Ex-boyfriend. Donovan Grant. We can’t figure out how he found her. She drove down here in a borrowed car and didn’t use any of her credit cards. She lives with her friend, so she didn’t need to fill out a lease or give anyone as references. We thought we took care of everything.”

  “Did she tell anyone where she was going?”

  “Only one person and she swears that individual would never give him that information.”

  “Well, not on purpose.” Vic twirled his pencil. “Can you tell me more about Grant? Like what he’s done and why she’s still afraid of him?”

  “Oh, yeah. I was going to get to that, but it’s a little strange. I hope you have an open mind.”

  “There aren’t many things that surprise me anymore, Mr. Blake.”

  “Good. Because Grant’s a black witch or magician or something—a sorcerer who uses black magic.”

  Vic raised his eyebrows and sat forward. “Okay, Mr. Blake, you surprised me.”

  “Call me Alex. I thought this might be one of your more unusual cases.”

  “Yeah, I’d say so. I should also tell you that I don’t believe in hocus pocus.”

  “Neither did I until this guy managed to get to her no matter where she went or what she did.”

  “Are you sure he’s using black magic to find her? Maybe he’s just a persistent pain in the ass with good tracking skills. Maybe he figured she’d go to you?”

  “I doubt that. We didn’t get along. We’re doing better now, because I’m trying to mind my own business.”