by Ashlyn Chase
“Motivation is a big part of getting what you want. Sometimes extreme need results in less commitment and concentration. The props help focus energy.”
“That I understand,” he said, as he stopped at a red light. “The stadium, the crowd noise, even the uniforms help us remember why we’re there and what’s at stake. It’s not like tossing a football around in the backyard.” There were still a lot of things he didn’t understand though. He’d be the first to admit it.
“The Goddess is always willing to help, but not if the person can’t communicate his or her need. First I have to know, very specifically, what I’m asking for. The props remind me to go deeper into a trance and communicate clearly . . . when it’s not life and death.”
“So, do you always get what you ask for?”
Michele chuckled. “Yeah, unless the Goddess has other plans. That’s why we caution each other.” She turned to him with her trademark sexy smirk. “I said to Savern, ‘Be careful what you wish for’ so many times she must have been sick of hearing it. But she kept right on casting those love spells until Alex hit on her.”
Vic’s jaw dropped. “Alex?”
Michele giggled. “That’s why she dragged me into the office like it was some sort of burning emergency. She thought it was a set-up and that you and I were in on it.”
“Oh. So she wasn’t happy about the outcome?” he asked.
“She will be, or the Goddess wouldn’t have answered her that way. Savern and I always ask that the spell be carried out only if it’s correct for the majority involved and harms none. When it’s something like love we ask that it benefit all involved. I have to believe that she and Alex could make a go of it and be happy together.”
Vic pulled over to the side of the road and turned to her. “Instead of taking the stuff to the shop, do you mind if we go home instead, so I can lie down for a while?
“Sure. Did this affect your old injury?”
“I doubt it, but I’d like to take a pain pill and a nap. If I overdo it, sometimes my neck goes into spasms.”
“What did your x-rays show?”
Oh boy. What should he tell her? If she knew he was never checked out, would she want him to turn the car around? Probably.
“Don’t worry. I’ll live.”
“Where’s your amulet?” She asked as if she knew he wasn’t wearing it.
“Uh, I think it’s back on the beach. I forgot to put it back on, and it probably went flying when I picked up the blanket.”
“I knew it. It would have protected you from all harm. Even my stupid hallucination.”
“So what are those people going to think when they come to?”
“They aren’t unconscious. The hospital staff around us snapped out of it after we left. They probably think they were daydreaming.
“Okay. I guess you thought of everything.”
“Not me. The Goddess. I tell her what I want the end result to be, and she does the rest.” Michele dug into her pocket and produced another stone with a hole in it. “Here. Take my amulet. I have a few more. It’ll keep you from anything else that could harm you.”
Like a sex-fiend girlfriend who could kill me with bliss.
* * * * *
Vic could barely move by the time he arrived home. He actually let Michele help him out of the car and up the walk. Her wrinkled forehead betrayed how concerned she was.
“Where are your pain pills? I’ll get them for you,” she said.
“I’ll get them. I’m not completely helpless.”
He began to hobble toward the stairs. A sharp, stabbing pain made him think better of it.
“On second thought, go ahead and grab them. Master bath in the medicine cabinet. I’ll be on the couch.” Damn. Now he wished he’d had that x-ray. A fuckin’ lot of good I’ll be to her if I can’t move.
“Of course. Are you sure you’re all right?”
“Yeah. A little rest will probably work wonders. God knows I need it.” He managed a smile and a wink before she left the room.
When she returned with the bottle and a glass of water, she sat beside him and said, “These are pretty powerful, aren’t they?”
“You betcha.” He shook a pill into his hand and washed it down with the unappetizing, tepid water. It didn’t matter. Nothing mattered except staying vertical. He had to protect Michele and paralysis would really cut into his ability to do that. Taking it easy for a while was probably the thing to do. The codeine in the pain meds would force him to rest, if not sleep.
Vic unbuttoned his shirt. “I’m sorry if you were expecting any action tonight, babe,” he said. “I’m afraid I’ll be on the injured list for a bit.”
Michele snorted. “Don’t be ludicrous. We don’t have to make love every night. There’s always that kissing and cuddling we talked about.”
“I’ll gladly kiss and cuddle, but I want to soak in the hot tub too. The pain pill won’t kick in for a few minutes.”
“Good idea. Can I come?”
“Sure, but can you keep your pretty body underwater for me?” He stripped down to his shorts. “I don’t need any more frustration today.”
She grinned. “I’d never intentionally frustrate you. And if I did it accidentally, I might be able to find a creative way to provide relief.”
He groaned.
* * * * *
Michele had to hold his arm while he threw his leg over the side and stepped into the hot tub. She was glad he’d said something about the amount of pain he was feeling and didn’t try to be all macho about it, but it concerned her at the same time.
Vic had decided to keep his briefs on and that was probably for the best. Michele couldn’t suppress her desire when she gazed at his long, thick shaft, especially when it was looking for a place to go. Her center would call to him and would only be satisfied when he had filled her.
Now they were finally together without sex on the brain, and it seemed like a good opportunity to talk. She hoped he’d be able to deal with some sensitive topics, honestly.
Why wouldn’t he? He had always been honest with her.
“Vic, we need to talk.”
“About the exclusivity thing? Don’t worry about it on my behalf. There’s no one else, and I’m not interested in sowing any more wild oats.”
“Well, that wasn’t my question, but it’s good to know.” She smiled and Vic looked away as if slightly embarrassed.
“Oh, and I’m not interested in seeing other people, either,” she said. “I’m all yours.”
He cleared his throat. “No pressure. You don’t have to make any big decisions right now. I know it’s a confusing time.”
“I don’t think of it as a big decision. I feel good about us. That much is clear, even during confusing times.”
“Yeah,” he said. “I know what you mean.” He smiled in his teasing way, and she splashed him.
“Hey, what was that for?”
“For whatever you were thinking. One of your smart remarks was going through your head, wasn’t it?”
“I’m becoming that obvious, huh?”
“To me you are.” She found his leg and rubbed it with her foot. “Vic, I wish this wasn’t a confusing time, but I doubt if we would have ever met otherwise.”
“Probably not. Remind me to thank Donovan.” He yawned.
“Does that pill make you drowsy?”
“When it’s combined with very little sleep and a stressful day, yes. I won’t fall asleep and drown, but you’d better ask me whatever it was you really wanted to know.”
“Oh. What I wanted to ask has more to do with stalking, not us.”
“Oh. Sure. What is it?”
“When your sister went through this, what finally happened?”
“Oh. She, um . . . she finally got rid of him. She moved to Europe. Changed her name. Actually, she got married and changed it. She’s doing very well, now.”
“Oh. That’s good. I was worried that she might have been hurt . . . or worse. You haven’t talked
about her.”
Vic closed his eyes and leaned his head against the side. Letting the pillow jets bathe his neck must have felt good because he let out a long sigh. “No, I guess I haven’t. We don’t get to talk much.”
“Oh. I thought you were close.”
“Sure. We were. Or, I mean, we are. It’s just that busy lives and oceans get in the way.”
“Yeah. I guess so. I wish I could meet her or talk with her sometime.”
Vic stretched and yawned again. “I’d better pry myself out of here and get to bed. You don’t mind, do you?”
“Of course not. There’s just one more thing I want to tell you, first.”
“Okay. What is it?”
“My contingency plan.”
He cocked his head. “I’m impressed. I didn’t know you were thinking of one.”
“I am. I always have been. Now just listen and don’t say anything okay?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Vic, there may be something I can do, but it’s drastic. I want to avoid it if I can.”
He woke up a little bit.
“But, I can’t do it here. If anything happens and I have to run, I want you to know where I’m going. I’ve thought about this for a long time. I’ll have to go to a particular place and get help from a particular person.”
“You’re not . . .”
She touched his mouth with her index finger. “Shush. It’s a contingency plan. Not plan A.”
He nodded but a sad look crossed his face. “It sounds like more of a last resort.”
“It is. New Orleans. French quarter. You’ll find me there.”
“Okay, fine. But don’t make it plan B. How about C or D or, I know, let’s call it plan F. Only to be used if things get completely fucked up.”
She smiled and nodded. “Let’s go to bed and go right to sleep. I need to sleep on this, and I’ll prove to you I can lie next to you without groping your irresistible body.”
Vic chuckled as he stood up, then winced.
“Do you need a hand?”
He sucked in a deep breath and let it out. “No, I’m okay. Just don’t run off. I might not be able to catch you.”
Chapter 13
“See? I can keep my hands off you when I have to,” Michele said the next morning.
“Oh yeah? When you’re awake you can.” He stretched and moved his neck gingerly to see how it felt. “Every time I was on my stomach, you tried to crawl under me in your sleep.”
“I did not!”
His teasing grin brightened her mood. She smiled and threw off the covers. Then tugged his oversized cotton football shirt over her head. “I hate sleeping in big, bulky things. How’s your neck?”
“Better. I might need another pain pill later. I’ll wait until I really need it.”
“Pain’s no fun. Why don’t you take one before you need it?”
Vic had diverted his eyes from her body and stood to retrieve his robe. “I’ll wait a while. I want to stay alert. Do you need to go anywhere today?”
“Yeah, to work. I still have all that stuff in your trunk.” She headed off to the bathroom.
When she was out of sight, Vic tried a greater range of motion with his neck and winced in pain. Damn. He’d have to bring his pain pills with him and take one after he got there. It would either put him to sleep or make him feel half-baked, especially since he hadn’t been using them for a while.
Over breakfast, Michele said she needed to call Savern. Vic was fixing a protein shake, which wasn’t nearly enough. He told her to go ahead and use the phone in his office. He’d be finished by the time she returned, and they could head out.
When Michele returned to the kitchen she said, “Savern’s not feeling well. She called Kip though, and she’ll be there today.”
“Oh, joy. I can’t wait.”
Michele folded her arms and said, “Vic . . .”
She sounded like his mother used to when he was being a smart-ass kid. “Okay. I’m sorry. I guess she’s not a bad kid.”
“I’m glad she was there Saturday, so Savern and I could go to the psychic fair.” Michele grabbed her beaded purse and slung it over her shoulder.
“Yeah. That was certainly worth doing, wasn’t it?”
She had just started toward the door and stopped. “Well, aren’t you sarcastic this morning?”
“That’s because I’m in pain and got no nookie last night.” He grinned, hoping she’d forgive and forget.
She sighed, but didn’t look like she felt terribly sorry for him. Vic tossed his keys in the air and caught them, then proceeded toward the garage and hoped she wouldn’t notice the grimace on his face.
* * * * *
Michele had unlocked the back door and was carrying the first box into the store. She stood stock-still as she took in her surroundings. The place was a mess. Books on display shelves stacked on top of each other instead of standing in neat rows; spools of cord pulled out and left in a pile on the floor; herb jars left open and lots of spillage on the counter.
Vic came up behind her. “What happened here?”
“I have no idea.”
Vic placed his box of books on the floor. “You can always check the cash register.”
She put the fragile things down next to Vic’s box and unlocked the drawer.
Glancing around the room, he casually said, “I still can’t believe you trust her with a key to the shop and the money drawer.”
Michele pulled the cash out and retrieved the bank deposit bag. “Savern thinks she’s doing well with the concept of personal responsibility. She starts with that as part of her basic instruction.”
“Savern’s been giving her Wicca lessons?”
“Yes, and she’s learning fast.”
Vic glanced at the handful of bills. “I don’t know. That doesn’t look like a gigantic pile of cash to me.”
She counted it. “It isn’t. There’s only two hundred dollars here. We start with seventy-five in the drawer each morning. Maybe there are checks.” She lifted the drawer and found two checks under it. “Neither one of these customers spent very much, then again, Kip told Savern when we were at the psychic fair that Saturday had been a slow day.”
“How about credit cards?”
“We haven’t been taking cards. We probably should. It might increase the amount people spend.”
At that moment Kip showed up at the front door. She didn’t need to knock or use her key. Vic made it to the door in two strides and let her in. Michele was hoping to find out what happened with a polite question or two. Vic, apparently, had other ideas.
“What the hell went on in here, Kip? Did you and your friends have a party?”
Kip narrowed her eyes at him and curled her fingers into fists at her side. “Of course not. What kind of a stupid question is that?”
“It’s the kind of stupid question that better come with an intelligent answer.”
“Stop it,” Michele said. “Kip, Vic and I need to talk. Why don’t you start cleaning up while we’re in the office?”
“Fine,” she snapped.
“Lose the ‘tude,” Vic ordered.
Michele grabbed his arm and practically dragged him into the office. “What’s the matter with you? That’s no way to get a kid to open up. If you had talked to me like that when I was a teenager, I would have told you to fuck off six different ways. I might anyhow. This is my business, not yours. How many times do I have to tell you that?”
“Well what are you going to do, boss, pat her on the head?”
“Of course not. Look, you’re having a bad day. I get that. But if you don’t stop giving off all that negative energy, I’ll have to send you back home to take a purification bath.”
He threw his hands in the air. “All right, all right. I’m sorry. I guess I am feeling kind of negative today. The pain’s been getting worse ever since I got up this morning.” He dug in his jacket pocket and produced the pill bottle. Look, I’ll take one of these and lie down for a w
hile.”
“That sounds good. I’ll help Kip straighten out the store while you rest.” She turned toward the door.
“Why? She messed it up. She should clean it.”
Michele whirled around. “Vic, we don’t know that! For all we know, Donovan could have been here again, which makes me even more nervous. So will you stop picking on Kip and mind your own fucking business?”
He was silent.
“By the way, I haven’t seen you doing any business for the longest time. Are you sure you have a job?”
Vic sauntered over to the mini-fridge. “Oh, I have a job all right.”
“Well maybe you should go do that for a while.”
Vic pulled a bottle of water out of the fridge and washed down the pill with a deep swallow. “Fine, and if Donovan shows up, give him my regards.”
“I’d better get out of here before I let you completely ruin my mood.” Before she left, she sent one last warning shot over his head. “This is my shop and I’ll do what I want with it. Right?”
He toasted her with his water bottle and proceeded to lie on the futon.
She rolled her eyes and stormed out.
* * * * *
Thirty minutes later, Vic was feeling both better and worse. He needed to get out there and spend some time making up for ruining Michele’s aura—or whatever. He still didn’t understand half the things that came out of her mouth, but at least he had stopped snorting and inwardly laughing at the whole business. There was usually something to it.
He vaulted off the futon and his head whirled. Oh, man, stop the gyroscope. He steadied himself against the wall until the vertigo slowed down. Taking a couple of cautious steps, he found his balance and walked out to the store. Michele was still straightening the shelves, and Kip was on the phone.
Vic, being in his fuzzy state, stood still, watched the scene, and let it sink in for a while. Kip seemed to be flirting with someone on the other end of her telephone conversation. Michele looked frustrated, but she wasn’t saying anything about it. She must be back in non-assertive mode. Maybe she was keeping quiet because there were a couple of customers browsing around.