by Vella Day
“It was just a small slice, and within two hours, my powers were back.”
It was Teagan’s turn to hug him. “That’s fantastic.”
“So you’re at full strength?” Kip asked sounding skeptical.
“Let me demonstrate.” Randy tugged on his suit jacket like a magician would and then looked around, probably trying to find something to practice on. “See the front porch light?”
“It’s not on,” Teagan said.
“It will be in a minute.” With a straight arm, Randy studied the light, and a moment later, a bolt of electricity shot out of his hand turning it on. He then flashed them a smile.
Teagan clapped. “I’m so happy for you.”
“I’m pretty stoked myself. I would have called and asked you guys to pick me up, but it was around two in the morning before I was feeling like my old self. James insisted I stay the night. I’ll admit I was curious to check out his home further, but I sure didn’t expect the down mattress and roomy lodgings. The bathroom was a different story. It was rather ancient, but at least it had a shower.”
“That’s awesome. I had the impression that James thought it was an inconvenience to have you there.”
Randy shook his head. “I thought so too at first, but he’s a really nice guy. In fact, to pass the time, he taught me how to play Cribbage and then showed me how he brews his own ale.”
Kip tucked in his chin. “Remind me to lose my powers someday.” Kip held up a palm. “Only kidding. So how did you get back to the house? You didn’t walk, did you?”
That was several miles away.
“James drove me. I’ll admit I was surprised he even owned a car let alone knew how to drive one, but he’s cool. When we arrived at the house, James insisted on checking it out with me to make sure no one had broken in.” Randy glanced over at her then back at his brother. “Listen, I’d like to stay and chat some more, but I have a meeting with a new client in less than an hour.”
“I’m glad everything turned out well.” Kip gave Randy’s shoulder a squeeze.
“Me too. Oh, thanks for breaking the ice to Mom and Dad. She called me a bit ago.”
“Good.”
“They were so happy about how everyone was able to retrieve my magic that they’re having a party this weekend at their place to celebrate. Kip, you’ll be one of the guests of honor, along with the rest of the McKinnon and Associates staff.” He turned to Teagan. “And Sam, where’s he?”
Her shoulders sagged. “He had to leave.” She told him about his long drive to Florida.
“That’s too bad. When you talk to him, tell him I said thank you.”
“I will.”
Randy pulled open his car door. “Don’t forget about this weekend. I’m sure Mom will call you with the details.”
Once Randy left, she and Kip returned inside. Her mood, which had been a bit low after Sam left, was now much higher. “I am so happy for him,” she said.
Kip faced her. “To be honest, I didn’t think it was possible for him to regain his magical abilities. Then again, I didn’t think it was possible to take his magic in the first place.”
“Me too, but I’m glad we were wrong on both accounts.”
Now that the immediate danger was past, Teagan was looking forward to going into work. Once back inside, she grabbed her jacket, purse, and keys.
Kip picked up his truck keys. “How about I drive you to the spa? It’s on my way.”
Several things popped into her head as to the reason for the offer. “Why?”
He moved closer, the glint in his eyes telling her he was tempted to drag her back into the bedroom and have his way with her. Then his palm caressed her breast, confirming his desires. “Can’t a man escort the woman he loves to work?”
That was an evasive answer, but at the moment, he’d stolen her thoughts by his sweet words. “How will I get home if you work late?”
She lived but a few blocks from her Aunt and from Missy, so she could hitch a ride with one of them if the need should arise.
His lips hovered over hers. “Even if I have something to do at the office, I’ll pick you up and drive you back here.”
She liked that plan, because once she was in his truck, she could convince him to stay at home. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d gone down on him while he was driving. Normally, Teagan wouldn’t be thinking along those lines had they not been interrupted yesterday. Now that Sam was gone, Teagan wanted to continue where they left off. “Works for me.”
After she checked everything and had locked up, she jumped into his truck ready to enjoy the short drive into town. During the trip, they chatted about how happy Randy looked, and then about James and whether he truly was merely an immortal. To them, he seemed more godlike. Before they were able to talk about this weekend’s party, Kip arrived at the spa. Because all three spots in front were taken, he drove around the block, clearly not wanting her out of his line of sight. Needing to keep her spirits up, she said nothing about his odd behavior.
When he completed the circuit, a red sports car slipped out from one of the three spots and Kip pulled in. “You want to do lunch together?” he asked.
She cocked a brow. “Is there something you aren’t telling me?” She understood the possibility existed that another Changeling might target her, but after the fiasco at the bunker, Kip said he hoped they’d need some time to regroup.
“Yes, there is. I want to tell you that I love you.” He leaned over and kissed her.
“I love you too, but is there a more sinister reason why you want to be with me all the time? Am I in danger?”
“No. Now have a good day, and I’ll see you for lunch.” He winked and her pulse returned to normal.
He wasn’t acting his usual self, but even if she called him on it again, he wouldn’t elaborate. Kip was being secretive about something, but she was determined to worm it out of him during lunch. Teagan hopped out and when she stepped inside, Aunt Kathryn emerged from the back.
“Oh, good. You’re here. How’s Randy? Izzy told me what happened.”
She explained how good he looked this morning, and that his magic had been restored. “All I can say is that James is a real miracle worker.”
“Amen. Let’s hope that’s the last time a Wendayan has magic stolen and needs James help again.”
“Wouldn’t that be sweet?” Though it was unlikely.
Two women entered the store and Teagan hustled over to help them, happy to have something to do.
Close to noon, the shop finally emptied out, and Teagan was able to grab a much-needed coffee from the machine in back. Missy was in another room cleaning up, and Aunt Kathryn was in her office. While she waited for Kip to show up and take her to lunch, Teagan dusted the bottles and shelves, and made sure they had enough cash in the register to make change.
A few minutes past noon, Kip waltzed in with a definite swagger to his step. “There he is,” she said.
Because they were alone, she rushed up to him and gave him a quick peck on the lips.
“You hungry?” he asked.
“Absolutely.”
“What do you say we pick up some sandwiches at the deli and have a picnic?”
Teagan clapped. “You know how much I love the outdoors, but I only have an hour for lunch.”
Kip tapped her nose. “Actually, your aunt agreed to let you take the rest of today off as well as tomorrow.”
Teagan crossed her arms, her heart beating way too fast. “What’s going on?”
“I have a surprise for you.”
“What kind of surprise?”
Kip gathered her in his arms. “It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you.” He kissed her nose then her lips, but the embrace wasn’t long enough to even send off a blue spark.
From the excitement in his voice though, the surprise was something she’d like. “Is that why you’ve been acting a bit squirrely, because of your surprise?”
He planted a hand on his chest. “Me?”
Teagan laughed and loved him more than she’d ever imagined she could. One thing she’d realized in the last few days was that life with Kip would never be dull. “Let me say goodbye to Aunt Kathryn and thank her. I’ll be right back.”
Teagan found her aunt in her office doing the books. “Kip said you’re giving me the rest of today and tomorrow off. Are you sure you can spare me?” Please say yes.
“Don’t worry about a thing. Missy and I can cover the store with no problem. In fact, with all you’ve been through, take whatever time you need.”
“Thank you.” Teagan hugged her aunt goodbye then returned to the front of the store where she found Kip staring at a bar of soap. She snuck up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I didn’t know you had any interest in what we carry.”
He twisted around and faced her. “I don’t. Not much anyway. I was trying to see if I could move it.”
Teagan stepped back and glanced out the window. “What if someone saw you? The front of the store is on a busy street.”
“No one would know what I was doing.”
“That’s what I thought when I inadvertently tossed that can and it smashed into the side of a truck.”
He kissed her forehead. “Let’s not worry about what happened in the past and concentrate on the future, okay?”
All the tension in her body evaporated. “Sounds wonderful.”
As soon as they stepped out of the store, Kip looked around, an action that didn’t instill confidence in her. Not wanting to ruin her chance at having a wonderful time alone with Kip Landon, she said nothing, and when he opened the truck door for her, she slid in.
Kip jumped in the driver’s side then started the engine. “We’ll pick up enough food for two days first then go home and pack.”
“Two days? I thought we were going on a picnic. And why are we packing?”
He grinned. “I told you it was a surprise.”
“You know it’s supposed to be rather chilly tonight. We’re not camping out are we?”
He reached over and rubbed her leg. “Trust me.”
“I do.” So much for unsealing his lips.
They stopped at the grocery store and Kip headed straight to the deli where he bought enough food for two lunches and one dinner. “Tomorrow night we can go out to dinner if you wish. The Lake Steakhouse perhaps?”
They had to be celebrating something, but what? Teagan tried to think if this was some kind of six-month anniversary, but she was pretty sure they’d met on April 21st. Today was only October 15th. At some point, he’d probably tell her the significance of this adventure.
Once they had loaded up their cart with food, Kip also slipped in a six-pack of beer along with two bottles of wine. “Are we expecting company?” she asked.
His eyes widened. “I hope to hell not. I want you all to myself this time. No more interruptions by Sam or those damn Changelings.” Thankfully, he kept his voice soft when he said their name.
“Sounds divine.”
At the checkout, Kip insisted on paying. With each moment that passed, Teagan became more and more excited about this fun adventure. On the way home, he refused to tell her where they were going, but she had to assume it would be quite special.
“Leave the food in the truck. We won’t be long. You’ll just need to pack a few necessities, though clothing is optional.”
She cracked up laughing. “I’m not running around naked when it will be chilly at night.”
“Suit yourself, but I plan on warming you up from the inside out.”
Who was this man? Ever since she’d admitted that she loved him, he’d been a lot more open. “Casual or dressy?”
“Casual.”
That was her favorite attire. “I won’t be long.”
As soon as she entered the bedroom, she searched her closet for the sexiest outfits she owned. By tomorrow, Kip wouldn’t know what hit him.
Chapter Eighteen
‡
Teagan never expected Kip to turn into the shifter compound, just three miles from their house. “Why are we stopping here?” she asked.
“Just hold your horses. It’s a surprise.”
Clearly, he wasn’t going to give in and tell her before he was ready. “Fine. I’ll wait.”
He drove past where Izzy lived, and then through the break in the trees, she spotted a piece of Silver Lake. “I wish we could stop and check it out.”
Kip glanced over at her and smiled. “Perhaps we will.”
Instead of fretting over their destination, Teagan leaned her head back and enjoyed the balmy day. The sky was crystal clear and the sun bright. She couldn’t have asked for more.
Ten minutes later, Kip pulled down a dirt road that was so uneven she had to hold onto the handle above the seat or chance smashing her head against the window. “I guess maintenance isn’t in the budget around here.”
He chuckled. “I’ll be sure to tell Kalan’s dad to fix the road.”
“He owns this land?”
“And the cabin it sits on.”
She twisted in her seat. “We’re going to have a romantic evening in a cabin?”
“Yup.”
She couldn’t think of anything better. While the cabin appeared to be rather isolated, they’d be safe since Rye’s Clan surrounded them. “I can’t wait.”
Lush trees bordered the long winding drive. At the end sat a small cabin, complete with a porch and two rocking chairs. While it would be chilly at night, she wouldn’t mind sitting outside this afternoon enjoying nature.
“Nice, huh?” he asked.
“It’s fantastic. Do you know if the Murdochs use it often?”
“According to Kalan, his dad rarely comes out here anymore.”
He pulled to a stop, and this time she didn’t wait for Kip to open her door. The moment she stepped foot on the hard ground, the energy from the sun and air invigorated her.
Kip held out his hand. “Let’s see what it’s like inside.”
“You haven’t seen it?”
“No, but Kalan promised me that you’d like it.”
Her friend Elana sure had snagged a good man—or rather a good werebear. The door was unlocked and when she stepped inside, her breath caught in her throat. The inside was all wood. The floors, walls, and even the ceiling were paneled with real pine. At the far end of the room sat a huge stone fireplace with a caddy of wood off to the side, and next to it was a kitchen. She didn’t spot a dishwasher, but there was a small fridge, a gas stove, and a sink.
A bouquet of fresh flowers sat on the small dining room table. “Someone must have expected us.”
Kip placed a hand on her back. “Mrs. Murdoch said she’d come over and spruce up the place.”
“It’s totally cute, but where do we sleep?”
Kip pointed to a ladder attached to the wall that led up to a loft. “I’m guessing upstairs.”
She’d always been fascinated with loft houses. “Let’s check it out.”
“You go ahead and I’ll bring in the food.”
“You don’t want to see where we’re going to sleep?”
His brows rose. “You know what happens when I get you anywhere near a bed.”
She laughed. It was true. She also wanted Kip all the time, but there’d be plenty of opportunity to fool around later. “You bring in the stuff, and I’ll light the fire.”
“Perfect.”
Just as Kip came in with their suitcases and the food, a small flame erupted around the logs. “How about bringing the sandwiches over, so we can eat here?”
“I’d like that.”
After he set their gear down, Kip grabbed a bottle, uncorked the wine and poured two glasses. He placed the food and drinks on a tray, and then set it down on the coffee table. He planted himself right next to her on the brown leather sofa. “I am so glad all that mess that happened to Randy is over.” He leaned over and kissed her.
“Me too. Oh, I forgot to ask how Kalan and the others were this morning.”
“Connor said Kalan and Elana, as well as his parents, didn’t leave until about two in the morning, and that Kalan healed quite rapidly once Elana showed up.”
“That’s so sweet. I still don’t understand how shifters can heal so quickly.”
“I don’t either. I’m sure they are just as much in the dark about how we do our magic.”
“Very true.” Teagan sipped her wine and enjoyed the flickering flames. “This is so perfect. I needed this.”
He picked up his sandwich and bit into it. “Mmm.”
Other than the fire crackling and sounds of them eating, the world seemed to have disappeared. This cabin was perfect.
Kip finished his sandwich and leaned back on the sofa. “You up for a rowboat ride on the lake?”
“Are you kidding? I’d love that, but where are you going to get a boat?”
He winked. “I have connections.”
Of course he did. Kip worked with three shifters who lived nearby. “Let me put the food in the fridge and then I’m ready.”
Once she had cleaned up, they piled into the truck and headed back toward the lake. Kip slowed, looking for a spot to park. “Jackson said he’d put a stake with a red flag on it on this road, so I’d know where to go.”
“There it is,” Teagan said, excited at this adventure. Kip parked then came around to her side and opened her door.
“I hope you know how to swim.”
She studied his features, but he remained unreadable. “You will not tip over the rowboat.”
“Never. You’re safe with me.”
As promised, the rowboat was there, albeit a rather worn looking one. Jackson had tied the boat to a boulder. Once they unhooked it, Kip told her to get in so she didn’t have to get her feet wet. He was the nicest man. If she weren’t already in love with him, she’d fall for him all over again.
Kip pushed off and jumped in, nearly tipping it over. Teagan held on, not wanting to land in the lake. It wasn’t that she couldn’t swim; it was because the water was so cold. He rowed them out to the middle and then rested the oars along the side.
The sun beat down on them, keeping her warm. “Do you think you’ll stay at McKinnon and Associates?” she asked.