Page 80 of Séance

“Or maybe they are just giving us time alone since the picnic was your idea,” I say soothingly, then wink up at him. “Now what did you want to show me?”

“The world,” he murmurs, staring down at me so intently that my heart lurches at his earnestness, and the rest of theworld drops away. He smiles, his grin just a little too excited. “We’ll start with the ducks and geese.”

Full of trepidation, I allow him to drag me closer to the large pond. When we reach the edge of the grass, I dig in my feet, not wanting to get closer to the lake, the large expanse of water more intimidating as the waves lap at the shore.

“You don’t like water?” Jameson immediately stops, his gaze full of concern.

I shrug, biting my lip before admitting the truth. “I don’t know how to swim.”

I didn’t dare get anywhere near water for fear that my father would drown me, but I don’t say that to him. He’s too protective and impulsive, and wouldn’t hesitate to go after the man. That’s the last thing I want. My father would destroy them in a heartbeat, the bastard’s mission in life to make me miserable.

Jameson’s pale blue eyes sharpen, the white in them brightening, giving them a stormy sea appearance. He brushes his fingers against my cheek, then boops me on the nose. “Then I’ll give you lessons.”

When he takes a step toward me, I instantly step back in response, lifting my hands to ward him off. “Not here. Not now.”

Jameson pauses for a second, his head tipped to the side as he contemplates my demand, and I hastily scramble for excuses. “I don’t want everyone to see me in wet clothes.”

That earns me a scowl, and he nods briskly. “You’re right—that’s a sight only for me and the guys.”

I sag in relief that I was able to successfully distract him. Something about the water feels menacing, warning a person to stay away or risk being dragged down into the dark, murky depths. No, if he wants to teach me, then he could do it like a civilized person.

In a pool.

Where I can see the bottom.

We walk along the shore, and I realize that Jameson is trying to sneak up on a large flock of birds. Not wanting to get caught up in his shenanigans, I fall back and thank the goddess for my forethought. A second later, Jameson tips his head back and releases a god-awful yodel, shaking his bag of bird feed a second later.

I thought the birds would run away, but the opposite is true.

As one, thirty birds lift their heads and turn toward him in unison, and I hastily put more distance between us. “Uh, Jameson, maybe don’t antagonize the birds?”

“What fun would that be?” He shoots me a smirk over his shoulder, then he scowls and takes a step toward me. “What are you doing all the way over there?”

The birds, seeing that their next meal is leaving, take that moment to charge.

That’s the only word for it.

Jameson must see the way my eyes widen, because he looks behind him. With a curse, he takes off at a dead run, swearing at the top of his lungs as the birds give chase, nipping at him even as he flings the bird food over his head.

For all of a second, I’m speechless at the spectacle, then uncontrollable laughter consumes me, leaving me gasping for air. On his third pass by me, he shouts in outrage. “You think this is funny? Here!”

He tosses the bird food at me, and I automatically reach out to catch it.

I squeak in alarm when half the birds head toward me. Before I can run, Ellis is behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist to keep me in place. “Don’t run or they will chase you. Just grab some of the seed and toss it around on the ground. They’ll eat when they realize you’re not trying to take their food.”

I do as instructed, planting my feet to resist the urge to flee, and he’s right.

As soon as the food hits the ground, the birds swarm around to eat. The birds are massive, much larger than what I was expecting, and I watch them in awe. Five minutes later, a breathless Jameson joins us, maintaining a safe distance. He’s rubbing his ass and legs, scowling menacingly at the geese.

When he catches me looking at him in concern, he purses his lips and mutters, “Table food shouldn’t bite back.” He crosses his arms and looks away. “That’s all I’m saying.”

Laughter bubbles out of me, and I clear my throat, covering it with a cough when he narrows his eyes in my direction. “Uh…yes…I completely agree,” I say, choking back my laughter.

His bad mood melts, and he drops his arms and smiles at me. Tossing the remaining food on the ground, I head toward him, careful not to kick one of the birds and provoke the vengeful fuckers. “You okay?”

I feel bad for laughing at him, but only a smidge.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” he says, looping his arms around my waist. “You can kiss my valiant wounds better later.”

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