Page 18 of Hot & Bothered

“I know. Crazy, right?”

“But what does that mean?”

“Just that you are laying down the law and doing what is right.”

“Okay …” That was his job, but wasn’t there supposed to be more to it? “What about the challenge?”

Her brows hiked up her forehead. “The seven of swords and its in reverse.”

“Being reverse means something different?”

“Mhmm. It means the opposite.” She flipped through her book for a moment. “The seven of swords means deception and cunning. That you’re trying to get away with something you know you shouldn’t be doing.”

“No, I’m not!”

“But in reverse, it means something a little different. Like revisiting a situation to make things right. Doing the right thing.”

“But I haven’t done anything wrong,” he exclaimed.

“Let me keep reading. Just hang on. When it’s not in reverse, it says that what you need to do may also require stealth moves and flying under the radar. So perhaps, in your case, since you are Mr. Justice, this involves you returning to a past case and revisiting it? Perhaps something needs a second look? Maybe a closed case was closed too soon and fresh evidence has come about?”

His mind reeled. As far as he knew, there were no cases like that. He was thorough and fair in everything he did.

He finished his crumble and glared at the cards, which were all face down. “What about this one?” he pointed to the one closest to him.

“That’s your subconscious. But we’ll discuss that later. Let’s move on to your past. Number three.” She flipped it over.

“Okay, who is this guy?”

She smiled. “This is a good card and one that definitely makes sense for you. It’s the Knight of Pentacles.” She flipped through her book again. “The Knight of Pentacles is practical, methodical, stable, grounded, respectful and financially focused. A sturdy, hard-working fellow that commits to a goal. He is reliable and efficient and very trustworthy. This card can also show taking responsibility for a project or situation. Remaining committed to a cause. A boss in training.” She tilted her head to the side. “Ring any bells?”

His mouth opened a little. “I mean … yeah. I’ve started a training program for teens. Sort of a big brother thing, but not so structured. More for teenagers who don’t have male role models, but also want to work out. A bunch of guys at the precinct have joined. We don’t get paired up. Just make sure there are always afew of us around at the designated times to help train the kids and just be there, you know? Support them, answer any questions they might have about life or whatever. Keep them from getting tangled up in the wrong crowd. If they know there’s somewhere they can go, and someone they can talk to—without judgement—then they’re less likely to do something stupid, you know?”

Her smile was beautifully bright. “That sounds amazing. But I also think the card just represents who you are as a person. And maybe the project is E.R.T.?”

He scratched at his scruff. “Yeah, maybe.”

Okay, the previous card was still pissing him off, but the first one and this one weren’t so bad.

She flipped over the fourth card.

“What about that one?” It was a dude on a horse. Well, the dude was probably a knight, given how he was dressed. Very similar to the Knight of Pentacles. But instead of a holding a star—or pentacle—this knight was holding a chalice.

Now, her smile was small, and sweet and a sexy pink bloomed in her cheeks. She glanced away causing a swath of hair to break free from behind her ear and cover her face. “That’s the Knight of Cups.”

“And what does the Knight of Cups mean?” he asked, reaching forward and tucking the wayward strand back behind her ear.

“Romance and chivalry. Leading with your heart, taking action on feelings and your imagination.”

He gaped at her.

Her smile turned coy. “He is the knight in shining armor that sweeps you off your feet in a romantic gesture.” She flipped through her book again, the color in her cheeks traveling down her neck into her chest. And it was more of a red than a pink now. He liked it. Clearing her throat, she continued. “The Knight of Cups is sensitive and empathic and perhaps a bit of a dreamer. He is a consummate gentleman and proof that chivalry is far from dead. This card can also be a reminder to allow your head to lead your decisions and follow your deepest dreams.”

“And he’s in my what? What does this card represent?”

She glanced up at him with veiled excitement. “Your future.”

She had to keep it together.

---