Page 19 of Wishful Thinking

“I’ve got to check the weather. When it becomes cool like this, storms like to pop up. I’ve got my windows wide open.” Belle punched in a code and the gated entrance to her home slid open.

“Do you want to come in? You’re more than welcome to. Iwill feed the cat andthen I’ve got some editing to finish. I’m not tired, but I’ve got to get it done, my deadline is tomorrow afternoon and I have about two more hours to put in.” Sal smiled.

“I’ll pop in for a few, but I’ll leave you to get your work done. I respect meeting deadlines, trust me, nothing worse than missing one.” He followed her as she punched in another code to disable her alarm andunlocking several locks before the door swung open. She walked in to the darkness.Turningon a switch, lights illuminateda long hallway. Sal closed the door. His fingersturned the deadbolts, and he glanced up at her.

“Is it unsafe around here? What’s with so many locks?” Belle chuckled and shook her head.

“You know Mom. She was adamant about those. Moving to an island that likely hosted a posse of savages, she wouldn’t sleep a wink at night if she thought someone would break in and murder me. I did it to pacify her, but it makes me feel a little safer.”

A large cat came meandering from the living room and meowed loudly. Belle walked over and poured him a dish of food and set it down on the floor. The cat rubbed against her leg and then dove into the dish as she stroked his fur. Purring filled the air and Belle smirked at Sal.

“This is Sassafras. He’s my watch-dog cat. Not particularly effective, as you see. He’s a love,nevertheless, my big cuddly baby.” Sal moved through the kitchen, impressed with what he saw. Granite countertops in a pale cream shade balanced with the rest of the home. The cupboards were a rich mahogany wood, and the living room was pretty much in cream and beige tones. The carpet was thick and plush. A small golden lamp sat on a table near the window and he picked it up.

“Does it come complete with a genie?” He rubbed it on his shirt and laughed.

“I wish I could make love…” Belle stopped him, raising a finger.

“Becareful what you wish for my dear. I found that on the beach a few days ago. Want to guesswhat I wished for?” She shook her head, and he smiled.

“I cleaned it up and wished for fresh hot cheesy pizza, ice-cold beer, and a beautiful man to tend to my whims. Lo-and-behold, look what happened? You showed up from my past… must have been the hot guy part. I’m thinking there may be some truth to the wishing thing, so be warned.” Sal set the lamp back down.

“I guess I had better ponder that, make sure I give it a worthy wish. If you’ve used one up, that means there could be two remaining. We don’t want to use it up on something not worthy.” Belle gave him a tour of the home before he left and he kissed her goodnight.

“Thank you sweets, this has been one of the best days of my life and I can’t tell you how happy I am. Now, go get the editing done, Stella will be champing at the bit to get her next million from her tale.”

“Have you read any of her stuff yet? They are good reading, believe it or not. Not your typical porn books, and they definitely stir the juices to the top. Ask her, she’ll lend you a copy, but you have to give them back. She keeps thefirst printing of each book. Thatwomanisa lioness. Those books are her cubs. But she’sgood withlending them out, just don’t damage or lose it. She’s got an amazing editor, so you know you won’t find any typos in the pages. Besides, it might put you in the mood for love. You may have tocome and ravage thiswilling woman after you finish.”

Sal’s laughter filled the air, and he kissed her on the cheek and left. Now intrigued, he headed towards home to read Stella’s book.

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