literal leigh 05 - joyful leigh

by Melanie James

  It’s funny how this year turned out. I mean, it was just one disaster followed by another and somehow it resulted in being the best year of my life. None of it was intentional, not one bit. I had finally learned so many things about the world of magic and even more about my cat. I only had one question remaining and I knew who held the answer.

  I wobbled through my crowded kitchen until I found Cosmos and Sybil. Luna was cradled in my arms and she pawed at Sybil. “Excuse me, Sybil. When I first met you, I could swear that I saw my magic desk in that old alchemy lab. What was it doing there?”

  Sybil didn’t answer and instead looked at Cosmos. It seemed like she was deferring the question to him. Cosmos nodded and then he answered me. “Yes, that was your desk. It was something that Sybil and I came up with. An experiment, really. We were trying to create a device that could be used to perform magic in a simple yet accurate way. Think about it! If a person could simply write down whatever they wanted and it would come true…now, that could change the world. After decades of trying and failing, we gave up on it.”

  Sybil interrupted and continued on with the story, “Then through the centuries, I came across that desk and I discovered that there were a few people that actually made it work, but it required the one thing we didn’t have—the ability to create an alternate reality through writing. That creativity was something we never thought to try. When you found it and were able to make it work, it was impressive. The thing that stood out for us was that you were only interested in helping others. That’s when we realized that you were different than any of the previous owners of the desk. Even when you attempted to use the magic desk for your own good—like when you used it to get the furnace fixed and to get new windows—you actually ended up saving all of us from a great evil. All of it was possible because you’re thoughtful and helpful. Above of all you had that hidden power. It’s not magic. It’s your independent spirit and self-determination.”

  I contemplated what she said. “Huh…I never thought I was doing any of that. I just wanted the house to be warm.” I walked back to find Hunter. Luna decided to stay and visit with Sybil.

  Hunter grabbed me from behind and put his face next to mine. “Well, it’s been one hell of a year.”

  I felt so warm and loved with his strong arms wrapped around me. I put my arms over his and thought about what he said. “Yes. It sure has. Are you sure you’re willing to have a lot more years like this? Some just may be even crazier.”

  Hunter kissed my cheek and answered me, “The way I see it, life is crazy and unpredictable anyway. I might as well team up with someone who knows how to make it fun, too.”

  “Those are words to live by.”

  Author’s Note

  Looking for more of Leigh and the gang? Don’t worry Leigh will be back in Gertie’s Paranormal Pet Shop and Paranormal Plantation in 2015! Literal Leigh will pick up again after Gertie and Randy get their two cents in.

  About the Author

  Bestselling author, Melanie James spent 14 years as an IT systems administrator before tiring of the hustle and bustle of the technology world. She's doing what she loves by writing steamy paranormal, contemporary and romantic comedy books. Melanie has a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in Leadership and Development, with a minor in Women's Studies. She is currently working on her Master's Degree in Adult Education at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

  She is married to a wonderful man, who supports her dreams and goals. She has two children, three step-children, a beautiful daughter-in-law, and an adorable grand-baby.

  You can find the latest information about her books and fan giveaways at: www.authormelaniejames.com

  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelanieJames

  Twitter @autmelaniejames

  Éveiller Drive

  Ava & Will

  On a sleepy little street, in a quiet little sub-division, hearts were silently breaking. Marriages were crumbling. Couples became victims of the all too common, scheduled-to-the max, stressed out beyond belief, norm of daily living. It seemed as if there simply were not enough hours in the day to set aside time for the closeness that couples needed. Intimacy, the essential ingredient required to have a happy and satisfying marriage was severely lacking.

  Each couple entered into marriage thinking life would be easier, with a loving partner at their side. All had believed that love was enough to keep you happy, satisfied, and content. Little did they know, that a good marriage required a lot of hard work and loads of compromise. A happy marriage requires that couples be more than just lovers or bed partners. Both husbands and wives are expected to be a friend, lover, supporter, and confidant. And that, is only the start.

  Just when the couples thought they had the hang of it, children came along. Everything changed from that moment on. They loved their children with every breath in their body, like any good parent would. However, they never stopped to consider, how much their lives had changed when kids entered the picture. Their lives no longer revolved around one another. The marriages and the households were no longer about two people. They said goodbye to making love all night and Saturday morning sexcapades, without even realizing it. It just slipped away.

  Choices were no longer black and white. Decisions were no longer simple yes or no answers. There were many shades and variations of the gray areas. Choices were made, and plans for the future revolved around what was best for the growing family. Passion and romance fell to the bottom of the ever-growing list of priorities, and eventually dropped off to the wayside.

  The women felt neglected, as did the men. They wondered where they had gone wrong with their spouses, never connecting the events that lead to their dismal states. After all, they worked hard. They were successful. They loved their kids and always put them first. The couples used to be close. Sex consisted of the four fs—fantastic, fun, frequent, and fucking mind boggling. Now, it was nothing more than a frequently overlooked urge. Intimacy had become another chore that needed to be done, or an itch that needed to be scratched. Nothing more—nothing less.

  Each couple wishing desperately to go back to the happy, fulfilling marriages they once had, but not knowing how to get there. How could they rekindle the spark that had been lost? Was the spark still there? Wasn’t it normal to lose the passion and heat after years of exclusivity?

  Sadly, several of the couples believed that it was far too late to save their marriages. They were one screaming match away from losing their partners forever. None of them wanted to rock the proverbial boat, and pretended all was calm and normal. When in fact, if you peeked behind the closed doors, it was anything but calm and normal. Anger stewed as problems escalated. Words blazed from unchecked tongues and burned deeply. Verbalized anger caused hurt that could not be easily healed. Jealously acted as an accelerator of the suspicion that easily grew in the hearts of weary, exhausted spouses. What had been a fire of love, lust, and passion, turned into a cold, lonely, and dark place.

  Welcome to Éveiller Drive.

  A Valentine’s Surprise

  Chapter One

  The day started out much like any other for Officer Adam Jennings. Riding with him in the front seat of his cruiser was his best friend and partner Jake Matthews. Being on patrol with Jake was one of his favorite places to be.

  The only path that Adam ever saw for himself was that of a policeman. He liked helping people and this was the best way that he knew how. Sure he had to deal with the lowest of the low, but most of the citizens he interacted with were good people who just got off track every once in a while. He took his job seriously, but he still believed people should be given the benefit of the doubt. He firmly believed that most people tried hard to be good and do their best.

  Adam was thankful he didn’t live or work in a city with a high crime rate. He wanted the people in his community to feel safe. Whether they were home with their families, out and about running errands, or enjoying an evening on the town, their safety was important to him.r />
  Adam had never been married, or even close to marriage. The only person he had to think about other than himself was his twenty-two year old sister, Jenny. When their parents died ten years earlier in a horrific car accident, Adam stepped up as a big brother to raise Jenny the best way that he could.

  It wasn’t always easy. He was fresh out of the police academy and knew nothing about raising a teenage girl, but he did his best and Jenny seemed to turn out alright. He was beyond grateful that she didn’t rebel too much during her teen years. Adam didn’t have the time or patience to deal with a bunch of teenage drama.

  Jenny was a lot like Adam in the respect that she didn’t date a lot. There were the occasional boyfriends of course, but Adam never had to worry about killing them for hurting his sister.

  Adam put the thought of any serious relationships on hold while he was raising Jenny. He didn’t think it would be good for her to become attached to someone he was dating, especially if the relationship wasn’t serious enough to lead to marriage. He tried to set a good example for her. The last thing he wanted was for his romantic exploits to make it back to his baby sister. Just the thought of it made him cringe.

  Adam was no angel. He dated, but he did so discretely. He would only go out when he knew that Jenny had plans with her friends. He always made sure that whoever he went home with, knew up front that he would only be spending one night with them. Second dates were out of the question, because he never wanted anyone to get the wrong idea.

  Dating had become easier now that Jenny was in college, but he still didn’t find anyone that piqued his interest enough to want to settle down. Most of the women that he met were shallow, rude, and completely obtuse. The woman he would marry would be kind, compassionate, and witty. She would be independent, yet willing to stand beside him as an equal partner. He wasn’t interested in anyone who was looking for a free ride. Women like that were to be avoided like the plague.

  It was a quiet morning, as they traveled along their normal route. Adam and Jake had made a few traffic stops, but that was about it. Adam didn’t mind quiet mornings, it meant the citizens of his sleepy town were safe and staying out of trouble. “I think it’s time for our morning coffee stop,” Jake said breaking the comfortable silence.

  “Sounds good,” Adam replied as they headed to the local convenience store. Adam noticed the empty parking lot as they slowly exited the car and closed the doors. He took the lead as he and Jake entered the store. There was nothing normal about what was happening as Adam stepped inside.

  Before he could react to what he saw, he heard a loud BANG and was knocked backward by an excessive force. He felt a burning in his shoulder, chest and lungs. He yelled out in pain as he reached for his shoulder.

  He was shocked when he pulled his hand back, it was warm, and wet, and covered with blood. The pain took his breath away and he began fighting for air as he collapsed to the floor. Adam heard two more shots ring out. The only thing he could think of was Jake. He prayed that his partner wasn’t hit.

  Adam could hear the sirens in the distance. Jake knelt beside him yelling his name. He tried to focus on what Jake was saying but the pain was too much. Thoughts of Jenny ran through his mind. He always thought he would have a chance to say goodbye to her. “Look after Jenny,” he mumbled to Jake. The darkness kept pulling him under as he fought to keep his eyes opened. Soon the darkness offered a beautiful respite from the pain that could no longer be denied.