Page 17 of Gator's Gambit
“Sometimes a card falls from the pack and lands upside down. That’s called reverse position, and what that means is basically the exact opposite of the card the right way up. So, for instance, the Lovers in reverse means disharmony, imbalance, misalignment of values, self-love or conceit, and a coldness in the relationship. Nothing healthy.
“But before I could say any of this, he went off about how he knew they were meant to be together, that they were soulmates and how he’d known from the start she wasthe one. When I could finally get a word in, I told him that it isn’t as it seems. That he needs to be careful about making assumptions and that perhaps he should give the relationship more thought.”
“How did he react? What did he say?”
“He went on about how I was mistaken – the card confirmed what he’d suspected and that I shouldn’t be so negative. He got up from the table as he was giving me the speech, and before I could say anything more, he left the store.
“A couple weeks later, I had a visit from a couple detectives asking about the man.”
“A couple of detectives? What on earth for?”
“Turns out the woman he was fixated on was a work colleague. He’d been going on about how they were fated to be for weeks, and when she couldn’t take it anymore, she reported him to both HR and the police.
“She was transferred to a different branch, and it was recommended that she take a restraining order out against him. She did as advised, and when he was served, he lost his shit wholesale. Went on a rant before going over to her house andshooting her dead.” Just saying the words has an ice-cold shiver working its way down my back.
“Aaah. Let me guess – now he’s pissed with you because you misled him, lied to him. So now he’s out for revenge.”
“Yip. You got it.” Swallowing, I nod. “And now’s he’s been stalking me. At first, I thought I was imagining things. Just little things that made me think I was going insane. Something on my desk would be moved, and I couldn’t remember putting it there. Thinking I saw him and turning to look, I’d be alone. Things like that.”
“Did you report it to the police?”
“Yes, but they said there was nothing they could do until he actually did something and I could prove it was him. The detective on the case was so sweet – he tried to help as much as he could, but in the end his hands were tied by policy. Eventually, I couldn’t take it anymore and came home under the guise of a visit. But he’s found me again and seems more determined than ever to make me pay.” My words dry up just as effectively as the saliva in my mouth, remembering the hell of the last few months. The only thing keeping me grounded is the hypnotic comfort of Godric rubbing a gentle hand up and down my back.
“Do you trust me?” Godric’s question is random and unexpected in light of our current conversation.
“Yes, absolutely. You know I do. I always have.” Pride shines in his eyes at my words.
“Then trust me to help you with this? I have the contacts and resources to help you out. Will you let me help you?”
Staring into his earnest eyes, I feel myself nod without even having to consider it. In that moment it feels as if an enormous burden has been lifted from my shoulders.
“Excellent.” Godric leans down and drops a quick, light kiss on my lips. I’m not sure what’s going on here, but all thisphysical contact has my hormones rushing around like a toddler hyped on sugar. “What’s this crackpot’s name?”
“Evan Alexander.” Even just saying his name has another cold shiver coursing its way down my spine.
He gives me a single nod, and I get the impression he won’t forget the name. Perhaps not ever.
Pulling me close, he hugs me fiercely for a moment before easing his hold on me. He tucks an arm under my knees, and before I know it, he’s on his feet, me securely held in his muscular arms.
I wrap my arms tightly around his neck as the unexpected motion startles me. “It’s okay, Pooks, I’ve got you. I won’t let you fall. In fact, I’ll never let you fall.” His cryptic words make me frown, but before I have a chance to ask him about it, Godric lowers my feet to the floor, taking my hand instead.
Dropping the gentlest of kisses into my palm, he says, “Come on. We’d best get out there – I’m surprised no one’s come looking for us yet. Besides, the food should be ready by now and, I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.”
The rapid change of topic has my head spinning, but I go along easily enough as he leads me toward the door of Em’s bedroom. As we reach it, Godric stops, his hand on the handle. “You know I’ve got you, right?” I nod, and he nods in return. “I’ll take care of you, I promise.”
My heart melts at his words, and I know I’m probably reading more into them than is there, but it feels so damn good to have someone to lean on that I can’t find it in myself to care.
“I know you will,” is all I can reply. No other words will come.
The love that I have for this man, that I’ve buried for so many years, threatens to burst to the surface. I shove the feelings back down, far down as I can get them. We’re friends and he’s only taking care of me because he sees a friend in need. Nothing more. But everything in me yearns for it to be so much more.
With one last side hug and a smile, as devastating as it is comforting, he opens the door and leads me down the hall to where all our family and friends are enjoying their day as if nothing untoward has happened.
How I envy their carefree enjoyment.
8
GATOR
