I nodded, searching my memory. “She said she was coming from having coffee with Trish. Barbie thought she had detention. She looked about sixteen or so.”
Galen thoughtfully rubbed his chin. “I don’t know. I need to give it some thought. Maybe I’ll put together a list of all the rumors I’ve heard about the two families and let you look it over.”
“That sounds like a good idea … and I’m not just saying that because I’m a busybody.”
Galen chuckled, smoothing my hair as he leaned forward and gave me a soft kiss. “Are we okay? I really am sorry about earlier. I won’t let it happen again.”
“We’re okay.” I meant it. “I wasn’t furious or anything. I was a little hurt. I was mostly worried that you and Booker would kill each other. You were getting a little intense.”
“We’ve always been that way. You don’t have to worry about it. We’ve only come to blows a handful of times. The last we were in our early twenties. We have maturity calming us now.”
I wasn’t so sure about that. “And you’re not going to tell me his big secret?”
“No.” Galen shook his head. “If Booker wants to tell you, it’s his secret to share. I can’t do that to him.”
“Even though you hate him?”
“I don’t hate him. I simply don’t like him a lot of the time. The thing is, with the big stuff, I trust him. Why do you think I called him the night you were attacked? I needed to know the job would get done … and done correctly. He was the first person on my list that night.
“Booker is more than one thing,” he continued. “Everyone on this island is more than one thing, and that includes you. If he wants you to know what he is, he’ll tell you.”
I couldn’t help being disappointed. “Fine. I guess I can live with that.”
“Good.”
“But I’m not happy about living with it,” I warned.
“I figured.” Galen slowly stood and extended his hand to help me to my feet. “I was thinking we would keep things quiet tonight. How does takeout sound? We can take it back to the lighthouse, eat, and then take a walk.”
“Does that mean you’re spending the night again?”
Galen shrugged. “Do you have a problem with that?”
“No.” I meant it. “You have to watch your wandering hands, though. They’re starting to get a mind of their own.”
Galen snickered as he linked our fingers. “You’re making that up because you want me to be embarrassed. It won’t work.”
“We’ll see.”
“We will.”
I was quiet for a moment and then I opened my mouth, which is never a good sign. “My other boyfriend isn’t ashamed of his wandering hands.”
“Ugh. Why can’t you just let that ‘other boyfriend’ stuff go? It’s not funny.”
“When I find a bad joke to latch on to I always keep it way too long,” I explained. “It’s unattractive and annoying. You’ll get used to it.”
Galen chuckled. “Thanks for the warning.”
“Don’t mention it.”
“How does pizza sound?”
“Worse than Chinese.”
“At least you’re not afraid to form an opinion.”
“You never have to worry about that.”
“Good to know.”
20
Twenty
Galen was still holding firm regarding Booker’s secret as we shared cereal and coffee on the back patio the next morning.
“I’m not telling you.”
“Just give me a hint,” I pressed. “I’m sure I will be able to figure it out if you give me a hint.”
“No.” Galen shook his head. “Ask Booker.”
“I already asked him.” I kicked back in my chair and folded my arms over my chest. “He won’t answer.”
“Did you really ask him or did you merely hint around and expect him to fill in the blanks out of the goodness of his heart?”
“Um … hmm.”
“That’s what I thought.” Galen finished his coffee and stood. “I need to run to my house and take a shower and change. I would suggest, if this is really bothering you, that tracking down Booker should be your first order of business.”
I arched an eyebrow, amused. “I thought you didn’t want me spending time with Booker.”
“I never said that.”
“You sort of implied it.”
“Only in your head. I have no problem with you hanging out with Booker as long as you don’t engage in any funny business.”
“Right. So, no dressing up as clowns? No tooting horns and putting on ridiculously large shoes. I think we can manage that.”
Galen scowled. “Your sense of humor is the oddest thing.”
“Wesley says I get it from him.”
“Now that is a frightening thought.” Galen leaned over and gave me a quick kiss. “I will call you later if I come across any tasks you can help me with. It will probably be after lunch.”
“I’ll be waiting.” I watched him move toward the side of the house, something occurring to me. “By the way, um, if you want to keep some clothes here – a razor and other stuff, too – you can do that.”
Galen’s face reflected amusement when he glanced back at me. “That’s progress, huh?”
“It’s just … there’s no need for you to have to run across town all the time when I have room in my bathroom.”
“Good to know.” Galen ran a hand over his stubbled chin. “While we’re talking about domestic things, if you wanted to run to the grocery store and stock up on things to eat – especially breakfast items – it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.”
I pursed my lips. “Are you attacking my culinary skills?”
“I happen to love cereal.”
“Good.”
“That was the last of it, though. You’re also out of eggs, fresh fruit, yogurt and anything else that could be considered a breakfast food. I don’t want to tell you how to eat or anything, but breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”
He wasn’t wrong. “I’ll run to the store.”
“Good girl.” He mock saluted. “I will call you as soon as I can. If I have something you can help with, I’m more than willing to spend another day with you as my sidekick. I have to go to the prosecutor’s office straightaway, though, and I doubt very much he’d find you as charming as I do.”
“You’re probably right.” I sipped my coffee. “I’ll be around when you get a new lead.”
“What if I don’t get a new lead?”
“You will.”
“How can you be so sure?”
I shrugged. “You’re you. I’m pretty sure you don’t quit until you’re satisfied with the outcome.”
Galen shot me a hot and flirty look. “You have no idea how right you are about that.”
I swallowed hard. “So … um … I’ll talk to you later, okay?” It was an effort to get out the words without fanning my face, which felt as if it was on fire thanks to Galen’s innuendo.
“You definitely will.”
THE FIRST ORDER OF business was tracking down Booker. He was exactly where I’d expected him to be, finishing up work on the beach tourism center. He barely acknowledged my appearance when I turned up in the open doorway.
“You’re almost done, huh?”
Booker nodded. “I will be glad to get out of here. I don’t ever remember getting so many visitors to a gig before.”
If he expected me to feel guilty he was going to be bitterly disappointed. “I came to ask you a question.”
As if sensing I was about to turn things serious, Booker opted to take control of the conversation. “Did Galen find you yesterday?”
“He did.”
“Did you guys make up?”
“We were never really fighting.”
“That’s not how it felt to me.”
“Well … we’re fine.” I shifted from one foot to the other, uncomfortable. “I’m going to ask you a question. You don’t hav
e to answer it, although I think you already know that. It’s just … I can’t stop thinking about it. People keep saying weird things about you and I have to know.”
Booker kept his eyes on the lettering he was finishing up, his fingers steady and his gaze even. “I’ve been expecting this for a bit. Lay it on me.”
“Okay, well … .” I licked my lips and squared my shoulders. “What are you?”
“I’m a Pisces. Some people say that means I’m moody, think the world is out to get me, and occasionally dramatic, but I don’t put much stock in astrology.”
I knew exactly what he was trying to do. “You know what I mean.” I refused to back down. “Everyone on this island has a secret. Galen told me that and then he proved it when he turned into a big freaking wolf on the highway one night to save me from a stalker who turned out to be hired by Ned.”
“So, because Galen can turn into a wolf you’re wondering if I can do something similar,” Booker mused. “To satisfy your curiosity, the answer is no. I’m not a shifter. I don’t get hairy under the full moon … or any other day of the week, for that matter. In truth, I struggle growing a full beard. I’m often jealous of Galen’s hair-sprouting skills.”
Somehow I’d already deduced he wasn’t a shifter, although I had no idea how. “I know. You’re not a vampire either. I met that weird dude who runs the funeral home yesterday, by the way. He did something to fuzz my brain and upset Galen. He promised not to do it again, but I’m not so sure. I didn’t ask Galen specifics about vampires because it didn’t seem like the time, but that’s totally coming.”
“He’s a bloodsucker,” Booker supplied. “He can’t go out in direct sunlight, but he can work during the day … as you saw. He survives on animal blood, which he gets from the area farms. He’s been strictly forbidden to snack on tourists, so if you see him doing anything of the sort you should definitely report him to Galen. Other than that, he’s a normal guy.”
“He’s creepy.”
“He’s definitely creepy,” Booker agreed. “A lot of people are creepy, though.”
I waited for him to expand, to volunteer information, but he focused all his attention on the letters he’d so painstakingly applied to the window the previous day. Apparently he only had touch-ups left and then he was done.
“Booker … .”
“I know you want me to tell you what I am, but it’s not something I normally do,” Booker supplied. “I try to keep my private business private.”
“But Galen knows.”
“And he obviously didn’t tell you, which is driving you insane.” Booker’s lips quirked. “The thing is, this island is full of paranormal beings, but it works because we basically stay out of each other’s business. We all know about each other, but we never mention it. It’s like an unspoken rule or something.”
“Except everyone has something to say about your romantic habits and I didn’t grow up on this island,” I countered. “I have no idea what’s real or mythology. I didn’t know I was a witch until a few weeks ago and I’m still trying to deal with that.
“For example, did you know I had some sort of psychic flash while I was at Barbie Conner’s house yesterday?” I continued. “I mean … it was an actual flash. I saw a fight between her and Ashley and then I listened as Henry and Barbie talked about having a secret.”
“I’m guessing this was before they divorced,” Booker noted. “My understanding is that they rarely talk since the divorce, and there were all sorts of weird accusations in the divorce paperwork.”
“Is that really important considering the conversation we’re having?”
“I’m just pointing it out.”
“This is all new to me,” I pressed. “I get that you don’t want to talk about it and I’ll respect your decision not to tell me.” I paused a beat. “Okay, I won’t respect it, but I’ll figure out a way to deal. I know it’s none of my business. I just … wanted to know.”
Booker didn’t immediately say anything, instead focusing on his task. When it became apparent he wasn’t going to start spilling his guts I heaved out a sigh.
“I should get going.” I turned to leave. “I promised Galen I’d pick up some groceries. Apparently I’m not very domestic. I need to learn to get better at that.”
Still nothing from Booker.
“So, um, I guess I’ll see you around.” The moment my feet hit the front walk he finally spoke.
“Wait,” he barked, his temper on full display as he cursed under his breath and stomped his foot. “Wait a minute.”
I tried to tamp down my excitement, instead pasting a puzzled expression on my face as I swiveled. “What?”
“Oh, don’t play innocent with me.” Booker screwed up his face into a frustrated expression. “You’re about to get your way and you know it.”
I was so excited I could barely contain myself. “You don’t have to. I understand your need for privacy.”
Booker extended a warning finger. “You are the world’s worst actress,” he groused. “I mean … seriously. You’re not fooling anyone.”
I didn’t care about fooling anyone if he was about to share his deep, dark secret. “I’m sorry if I’m making this difficult for you.”
“Knock it off.” Booker’s eyes flashed as he licked his lips and returned the paintbrush he held to a small palette on the ground. “Okay, I’m going to tell you. The only reason I’m going to do it is because I know someone else eventually will. My money is on Lilac – she can’t keep her mouth shut – but I know it will happen. I figure it’s better you hear it from me.”
The way he phrased it had me worried. Perhaps he was something bad and our relationship would be forever changed by the revelation. The possibility gave me pause. “Um … .”
Booker ignored my indecision. “Here it is … and if you laugh I won’t talk to you ever again.”
Laugh? That didn’t sound so bad. “If you’re a shark shifter I’m totally going to throw you a party.”
“I already told you I’m not a shifter.”
“Oh, right.” Crap. He did tell me that. “So … what are you?”
Booker sucked in a breath. “I’m a cupid. Now, reach into my bag over there and grab the flask in the pocket. I need a drink.”
A cupid? That was so not what I was expecting. I did as he instructed, though, taking advantage of the momentary distraction to run the notion through my head. When I straightened and handed him the metal flask he was watching me closely. I figured it was for signs of laughter, but I was more confused than anything else.
“I don’t understand,” I said after a beat. “Cupids are supposed to wear diapers and fly around so they can shoot people with love arrows. You look nothing like a cupid.”
Booker made an exaggerated face as he downed a shot of whatever was in the flask. “You’re letting pop culture fuel your knowledge base. That’s not what a cupid is.”
“So … what is a cupid? Are you saying you don’t help people fall in love?” Saying the words triggered something in my brain. “Wait … everyone and their brother says that people are magically attracted to you. Is that a cupid thing?”
Despite my excitement, Booker remained morose as he nodded. “Yeah. That’s a cupid thing. Women are naturally attracted to me. That’s why I go through them so quickly.”
“I don’t understand. Wouldn’t you be infatuated with the idea of love if you were a cupid?”
“I am a cupid and I am not infatuated with the idea of love,” Booker shot back. “It’s not like that.”
“How is it?”
“Well … women are drawn to me.” He was no-nonsense. “They can’t stop themselves from wanting me.”
“Which is how you ended up dating two women at once.”
“Which is how I ended up having sex with two women at once,” Booker corrected. “I don’t date. Do you want to know why?”
Actually, I did. “Yes.”
“Because the things these women feel for me – or at least thi
nk they feel for me – aren’t real,” he replied. “They’re attracted to me because of what I am and not who I am. It’s chemical. Pheromones and all that other jazz. It’s not funny, so don’t laugh.”
The last thing I wanted to do was laugh now that I knew a little more about his predicament. “I’m sorry.” I held up my hands in capitulation. “I truly am sorry. I didn’t even think about how hard this is on you. It must be difficult constantly wondering if what people feel is real.”
“It’s not real.”
“You don’t know that,” I countered. “Just because the first jolt of lust might not be real, that doesn’t mean that true love can’t spring from it.”
“Yes, but I will never know if what people claim to feel is real or a byproduct of what I am. That’s why I’m destined to be alone.”
That made me inexplicably sad. “I don’t believe that. I’m sure there’s a way around your little problem.”
“Oh, honey, it’s not a little problem.”
I frowned. “That’s such a man thing to say.”
“It’s true.”
“Whatever.” My mind was already working. “I’ll conduct some research. I’ll figure it out.”
“And I thought my day couldn’t get any worse.” Booker slapped his hand to his forehead. “I’m going to regret telling you. I just know it.”
“You won’t. It’s going to work out. In fact … wait a second.” Something occurred to me. “You said that women throw themselves at you. Is that all women?”
“Basically.”
“But I’ve never felt inexplicably drawn to you,” I pointed out. “I was never warm for your form and rubbing myself against you whenever you visited. To me you were just a normal guy.”
Booker chuckled, although the sound was hollow and humorless. “That is the rub, isn’t it? You’re apparently immune to my charms. May was, too.”
“So maybe all witches are immune to your powers,” I suggested. “We just need to find you a witch.”
Booker snagged my gaze for a long moment and I felt something heavy pass between us. Luckily for us both, he didn’t bring it up. “I’ve been around other witches. They come to the island all the time and they throw themselves at me like everybody else.”
Witches Just Want to Have Fun Page 46