Page 31 of Guarded By the Gargoyle

“Yes, but I just can’t—” I began but just then Goldie came back with a tray. She passed out coffee mugs—regular sized ones for me and Goody Albright and a huge one that looked like a novelty gift for Kael. Then she poured for us from two different coffee pots. She also gave us cream and sugar.

“Try it, would you?” she asked me once I had my coffee fixed to my liking. “I’ve never made it before and I want to be sure I got it right.”

I brought the cup to my nose and inhaled deeply. The slightly bitter scent of chicory met my nose, making me tingle all over. I took a sip and the nutty, rich flavor flowed over my tongue.

“Mmm!” I looked up at her and smiled. “That’s the best chicory coffee I’ve ever had! It’s even better than the little café by my shop.”

“Glad you like it.” She gave me a warm smile. “Okay, enjoy.”

We drank our coffee and ate our almond croissants—Kael seemed to enjoy both very much, though he said the coffee was bitter.

“I like it though,” he added, taking another sip. “It cuts through the sweetness of the confection.”

“Thecroissant,” I said, grinning despite myself. I had to admit, his old-fashioned way of speaking tickled me.

But almost before I knew it, the hour I had allotted myself was up. I offered to pay the bill before I remembered I didn’t have any money.

“That’s all right my dear,” Goody Albright said, smiling. “This is my treat. You and Kael just run along home now. But remember, you can draw a new doorway and come back to Hidden Hollow anytime. As someone with a magical gift, you have a standing invitation. And Idowish you’d consider moving here. We’d love to have you.”

“I’ll think about it,” I said awkwardly. “But I’m going home by myself,” I added, as Kael rose from his side of the booth.

He frowned.

“I don’t think that would be wise, Mistress. The fact that the key would not turn in my lock indicates you are still in danger.”

“I’ll be fine,” I said stubbornly. “I have to face things on my own—I’m an adult. I can solve my own problems.”

Goody Albright looked like she wanted to object, but she only shook her head.

“Very well, dear. If you get into trouble, just draw another door and come back,” she told me.

I reached into my pocket and grasped the lion-head key Pop-pop had left me.

“Yes, I’ll do that,” I promised. I nodded at Kael. “Goodbye. Um…” I had been going to say I hoped he had a happy life or something like that, but it occurred to me that it might sound callous. So instead I just nodded at him. “Goodbye, Kael,” I said, trying to push the memory of kissing him out of my head.

“Call for me when you need me, Mistress and I’ll be there,” he rumbled and his silver eyes were half-lidded. “Foranythingyou need.”

“Okay, uh, thanks,” I said lamely. The way he was looking at me made my heart flutter. His eyes seemed to say that he wasremembering our kiss too…and that he wanted to kiss me again and do more—muchmore.

Which was something I definitely couldn’t allow.

The silence between us was getting awkward. I was either going to have to say something else or leave the diner.

I left the diner.

I had no idea the mess I was going to be walking into or how soon it would be before I would wish I’d agreed to let the big gargoyle come back home with me.

13

KAEL

Iwatched my Mistress go with deep misgivings in my heart. Clearly she wasn’t out of danger yet. If she was perfectly safe and secure, only then would the key she wore turn in the lock around my neck and set me free of my endless servitude.

Goody Albright frowned at me.

“Well? Aren’t you going after her?”

“I cannot unless I know she’s in immediate danger or she calls for me,” I said. “Please don’t worry—I can hear her call from anywhere. That’s part of being bound to my key-holder.”

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