He headed for unchartered territory but he ignored the warning signs. The temptation she presented was too much. He slid his arms around her waist and pulled her against him. “You wouldn’t understand, and it would definitely change your opinion of me.” His lips barely brushed hers before she pulled away. He groaned with frustration: at her, at his paralyzed feet, at the whole situation. Why can I never have it all?
“No kisses until I get some answers.” Aidan brushed her fingers against his cheek. “Tell me why you left.”
“My position with the Institute for Magical Instruction is in flux at the moment.” He considered his options and decided he didn’t have many since he was stuck to the floor. “I’m being considered for a promotion to the Director Liaison for Universal Intelligence.” He swallowed around the lump of dread lodged in his throat. “If I get the promotion, the rules state relationships with novices are strictly prohibited. Security could be compromised. Even if I weren’t in the running for the promotion, I couldn’t become involved with you.”
“Why?”
He thought he’d die from need when she dropped a chaste kiss to the corner of his mouth. I want so much more. “As an employee of the Institute, I’m banned from forming attachments or relationships with any student of magic I’m tutoring or testing.”
Aidan shrugged. “I don’t understand what the big deal is. I’m not a minor and we’re two consenting adults. Plus, once I have my license, you won’t be my teacher any longer.”
Matteus took a deep breath. It was now or never. At least she’d be kept safe this way. “The Institute is my life. I won’t jeopardize my whole career for a woman who may or may not want to enter a new relationship. You said yourself you’d choose magic over a man.”
“Just as you’ve apparently done the same.” She cocked an eyebrow.
“True, but I’ve worked too hard to get to where I’m at to throw it away for something as fleeting as a few sexual encounters.” Loathing sliced through him when she stepped away, anger stirring her gaze into a molten chocolate torrent.
“Is that all I am to you, then? A potential one night stand?” Her cheeks were stained red from humiliation or fury, he couldn’t tell. Her chest heaved. “You wouldn’t think that something between us might deepen?”
“I—” What to say when he didn’t know for sure?
“Why did you kiss me? Was that a game too?”
He stared at her, the only woman to crack his arrogant, mocking barricade and make him feel wanted as a man. He needed to make sure she forgot about him. It was better this way. It was the only way to keep her safe. “I never could say no to a beautiful woman. A few stolen kisses isn’t that high of a price to pay.” He knew it was coming but he wasn’t prepared for the force of her slap. Pain ebbed across his cheek and into his jaw. His ears rang with the blow.
“Bastard.” She spat the word at him as if it were a poison-tipped dart. “Get out.” She pointed a forefinger at him, her eyes flat and lifeless as he stumbled backward, his feet immediately releasing from the binding spell. “If I catch you here again, I won’t be responsible for my actions.”
Self-disgust churned in his gut as he stared at her. It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her the truth, but her next words stayed his confession.
“I thought you were different from all the rest, but I was wrong. No wonder Aunt Hettie never married. It’s too hard to separate romantic feelings from magical energies.” She wrapped her fingers around the handle of her chef’s knife. “I could have cared for you, but you turned out to be no better than a snake.”
“Aidan, I…” The sorrow in her voice ripped through him.
“Get out!”
His last act of magic in her home was to halt the chef’s knife she threw at him. As it fell to the tiled floor with a metallic clatter, he vanished into the air, his heart a twisted lump of despair. Never had he regretted his career choice until today. Never had he met a woman who could match him in every way except magical skill level. Never had he wanted it all until now.
Sometimes, if a project simmered too long, it went bad.
Chapter Six
Sexy as Chocolate Mousse
Forty-eight headless gingerbread men lined the butcher-block island like macabre castoffs from a party hosted by Henry the Eighth. Aidan stared at them with gruesome fascination. They didn’t start life headless. She only snapped their heads off every time her thoughts wandered to Matteus. She tossed the last decapitated body onto the platter. The head landed on a plate of heads. No more cookies. What would she do now?
Since his departure two days ago, Aidan focused all her energies on cooking. The irony was she succeeded. Without him to distract her, for the first time in her life, her cooking was flawless. A pot of creamy, pale yellow polenta with parmesan cheese rested on the stove like a satin pillow, honey-glazed carrots winked at her from the counter top, and her carving knife sliced perfectly roasted, garlic and rosemary infused pork tenderloin into blush-tinged medallions. A bowl of chocolate mousse waited in the refrigerator.
After donating her edible cooking projects to every soup kitchen in the area, she was still running out of room to store leftovers. She needed to get over Matteus and move on with her life. If her aunt could go through life alone, so could she. It would kill her but it might break her heart beyond repair.
She had achieved her dream, but the reality was bittersweet. She had no one to share her joy. With an effort, she stifled a sob. Spooning a soft puddle of polenta into the middle of a plate, she arranged two pieces of pork on top with a few carrots on the side for color. Just like a cookbook. Yet her appetite for gourmet food had fled for the moment.
Maybe she should get a dog. At least then, the leftovers wouldn’t go to waste.
“If anyone could pull off a five-star dinner, it would be you. I never doubted your ability.”
Aidan dropped the plate, but instead of the crash she expected, it hovered above the floor like a bizarre flying saucer. The air before her shimmered then Matteus appeared. The plate balanced easily on his upturned hand. “What do you want?” Even to her own ears, her voice held a dull, bland note. She was too exhausted to cry or fight him, but she greedily devoured him with her gaze, memorizing every plane and nuance of his sculpted body, each line and freckle on his face. She would carry the image of him with her to remember in the empty years ahead.
“There are many things I want, but only one has the power to bring me to my knees.” Setting the plate down on the butcher block, Matteus took two steps in her direction then stopped. His mouth opened and closed, but in the end, he just stared at her. “For the first time in my life, I know what I want beyond every doubt and rule.”
The storminess of his eyes washed over her and threatened to sweep her away. Aidan shivered. Two days ago, she would have gladly jumped into the torrent, but he had made his choice. If he wanted to capitulate, he’d have to work for it. “Why are you here?” She slipped around the island, glad for the solid piece of furniture between them. “I warned you to keep away. You can’t keep popping in every time you feel like it. I’m not strong enough.”
He rubbed a hand over his stubble-covered cheek, his sigh a sound of exhaustion. “I wanted to drop this off.” From the breast pocket of his black silk shirt, he pulled a credit card-sized square.
As she took the card from him, she was careful to avoid touching his fingers. “My license?” Her heart pounded, as flattery warred with irritation in her stomach. “That’s it? You came back to bring me this?” Maybe there was no hope for him after all.
He nodded, his eyes hooded as he turned to leave.
Frustrated, she bit her bottom lip to prevent the cry she knew would make him stay. She slipped the license into the back pocket of her jeans. In the end, she couldn’t fight the need. “Matteus.” The word was small and barely audible.
“Damn it, Aidan.” He swung around to face her, his eyes clouded with cloudy emotion. “I haven’t been entirely truthful with you.”
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She tamped down the hope that wanted to burst from her chest. She couldn’t give in to it. She couldn’t forget his hurtful words. “Big surprise.” She licked her lips. “I suppose now you’re gonna tell me you’re married, or you’re the crown prince of some obscure European country and you’re travelling incognito.” Tremors of desire danced low in her abdomen while he prowled around the corner of the island. He stood two steps away. Her breath stalled. Her stomach clenched. “That’s it, isn’t it?”
“No.” A shadow darkened his face for a moment. “I had no choice. I wanted to protect you.”
“From what? A disgruntled magic teacher?” Incredulity painted her voice. “A rogue skills instructor competing for pupils?” Hysterical laughter built in her throat at the thought.
“Just listen to me. Let me explain.”
Aidan refused to be taken in by his charm, even as the breath whooshed from her chest when he caught her up in his arms. “Don’t…” When he pressed his lips to hers in a quick kiss, she sagged against him. I such a sucker for a good kisser.
He pulled away. “Will you hush and let me explain?”
“Yes.” She was as limp as cooked pasta. If he zapped her clothes off she wouldn’t fight him.
“I really am a skills assessor not a disguised prince.” He gave her a wobbly grin then shoved a hand through his hair. “The trouble is I’m also a member of the Magical Enforcement League. It’s my responsibility to maintain order throughout the magical community.”
“And what difference does that make to me? I wouldn’t have cared if you told me you were the tooth fairy’s second cousin, you still lied. I can’t trust you even though I want to.” Her mouth went dry when he unbuttoned his cuffs then rolled his sleeves up to his elbows.
“On the contrary, I’m one of the most trustworthy men you’ll meet.”
“I don’t want to hear anymore.” Summoning a bit of her discarded pride, she attempted to dart away but he pinned her against the island, his hands on either side of her waist. “Let me go.” She whispered since there was barely any breath left in her. The sweet scent of basil wrapped invisible fingers around her. When she met his turbulent gaze, she tumbled in.
“Not yet.” He dipped his head to touch her lips with his and whispered, “I’ve put a lot of bad people into prison. You wouldn’t believe the amount of people who use magic for personal gain—world domination, political office, English grammar teachers. The list goes on and on.”
Gossamer threads of desire spiraled through her stomach as he brushed his knuckles over her cheek. “What does that have to do with me?” She sighed. He was so close a sheet of air separated them. Her fingers itched to touch his five-o’clock shadow, to see if it would be as prickly as she imagined.
“Everything.”
“Why?” No longer would she just take his word for it.
“You see, I’ve ticked off some powerful people by taking their magic away. The human race gets desperate when they begin to lose power. The list of death threats against me is impressively long. I didn’t want to involve you in any of that. I do want to give them the leverage.” He sighed then looked at a spot over her left shoulder. “I’d go the infinite length of the Universe and back to keep you safe.”
She drew in a shaky breath. “So you’re not up for a promotion?”
“I’m afraid not. It’ll be years before I’m even eligible for one. I took the skills assessor position for a change of pace. It’s nice to be able to interact with people excited to use magic for magic’s sake.”
Aidan brushed the brown curl from his forehead, smiling as her fingers tingled. “And if you had a chance, you wouldn’t choose your job over a relationship?” She wanted him to say the words. She didn’t want to do all the work for him.
“Not a chance. The job’s great but I’d leave it in a heartbeat for the right woman.” He reached up and pulled the clip from her hair.
Excitement skittered down her spine as she wrenched her gaze from his lips. He was so close! Just a little further… “Then you’ve found her?” But she knew. She felt it and the knowledge made her tingle all over.
“You tell me.”
Aidan squealed as Matteus crushed her into his embrace then covered her mouth with his.
* * * *
Just like every other time he touched her, euphoria coupled with desire to form a tidal wave he was powerless to stop. He pulled away from her, his breath ragged. “I take it from your response you’ve forgiven me?”
She moistened her lips and his blood burned. “Yes.” She pulled his mouth to hers in a searing kiss that made him forget his name then gently pushed him away. “And you don’t need to worry about my safety. If someone threatens me, I’m more than capable of dropping a punch bowl on their head or hitting them with exploding dough.” She undid a button on his shirt. “Who knows, with a little practice, I could be a real threat.”
“Unfortunately, you’re correct on that score. You’re more powerful than you realize.” Matteus knew his window for clear and lucid thought was shrinking. “Your Aunt Hettie was definitely a witch. Do you take after her? I’d love to see how much.” Desire slammed into him when she pulled his shirt free of his waistband. “Aidan…”
“After today, I suspect I am, or maybe I’m just a woman who has a few… otherworldly skills in the kitchen.”
He didn’t fight her lead. He wanted the closer contact as much as she did. “Mmm, so kitchen magic is the only thing you’re good at in this room?” His chest tightened with desire. He ran his thumb over her bottom lip, supremely pleased at her shiver. “No other talents?”
“You tell me.” With the slightest wrinkle of her nose, the refrigerator door opened. When she crooked a forefinger, a crystal bowl floated toward them. “Would you like some chocolate mousse?” The chilled vessel landed smoothly on her upturned palm. “It’s the only thing I’m willing to offer you.”
“Are you sure that’s the only thing?” Her actions suggested so much more—things he couldn’t wait to share with her. Matteus decided he didn’t like the mischievous glint in her eye.
“At the moment, yes.” Her cheeks turned a becoming shade of pink. “We’ll talk again after the mousse.” She met his eyes over the rim of the fluted edge of the bowl. “We’ll need spoons.” She quirked an eyebrow in challenge.
He lifted his in acceptance. “Eating utensils are not necessary.” Running a forefinger along the top of the fluffy cloud of chocolate, he smiled. “In the times of the Egyptian kings, eating was conducted almost entirely with the fingers. Partaking of food often involves all of the senses.” Ripples of electricity flowed down his finger as she guided it into her mouth and licked the confection away.
“Turnabout is fair play. I would hate to deprive you of something as sensual as chocolate mousse.”
Matteus stifled a groan. She brought a dollop of the French pudding-like substance to his lips. When she nodded, he obediently took her finger into his mouth. Rich, dark chocolate exploded on his taste buds, followed closely by the sweet coating of cream. “I’ve never tasted anything as wonderful,” he said once she took back her hand.
A knowing smile touched Aidan’s lips. “It’s said the Aztec people used chocolate as an aphrodisiac. We know now that’s not entirely true. There’s no scientific proof chocolate brings about lustful feelings. It simply promotes a sense of euphoria, which in turn leads to romantic notions.”
“Then your sinfully dark dessert served its purpose.” He pried the bowl from her fingers and encouraged it to float gently back into its refrigerated resting place. “Because I intend to make love to you until you forget your name.” With one sweep of his arm, he shoved everything from the butcher block. His pulse thundered in his ears as dishes, serving platters, and food crashed to the floor.
“What’s stopping you?” Her whispered question hung in the air, as a plate spun on its edge like a dropped penny. She squealed when he lifted her by the waist and settled her on the butcher block. “Or do I
need to cast a spell on you?”
He growled low in his throat and leaned in to stand between her legs. “I think you already have. You have no need for a skills assessor.” Thank everything good and right in the Universe. He had no doubts she’d hold her own if the worst happened.
Aidan’s laugh was rich and throaty and it heated him to the temperature of molten lava. “Oh, I have a need for him all right.” She snapped her fingers and darkness swallowed the kitchen. “One only you can fill.” With another snap, tiny golden twinkle lights filled the air above their heads. “And from your previous bragging, my expectations are high.”
“Let’s get straight to it then.” Matteus folded her into his embrace with great care. Finally, he could have everything he wanted without guilt. In her, he’d met his match and his greatest ally. As her vanilla scent floated around him, he sighed in contentment. He had come home to find magic and love waiting for him.
The End
About the Author
Sandra is a writer of romantic fiction. Her portfolio includes historical, contemporary, sci-fi, and paranormal romances in full-length books as well as shorts and novellas. No matter if the heat level is spicy or sweet, she loves to blend genres and oftentimes will add humor to the mix.
When not immersed in creating new worlds and engaging characters, Sandra likes to read, bake, taste new teas, watch The Big Bang Theory, and travel. Her favorite place to spend vacation hours is Walt Disney World: it’s where dreams come true and the soul can play. When she’s not writing, she’s keeping things interesting at her Believing is Seeing blog or spending time with her husband, who patiently answers questions she has about men, sci-fi-related subjects, and the odd “what if”.
Sandra loves to hear from her readers. You can write to her at [email protected], visit her website at www.sandrasookoo.com, or look her up on Facebook and Twitter. All links are provided on the front page of her website.
A Pinch of Kitchen Magic Page 7