Page 51 of Magical Melee
I spent the afternoon cleaning and organizing the main living areas.
In a kitchen cabinet, I found a set of old cast-iron pots and pans tucked behind some dishes, so those were one less thing for me to buy since Alex took everything and more from me in the divorce.
Jars of spices that had lost their labels had been stacked in a small pantry. I had no plans of using things so old, but I carefully arranged them on the shelves.
When I felt like I needed a break from the inside, I pulled on my heavy coat and wandered out back through a Dutch door. I could see myself swinging open the top half in the summer months while I baked cookies in the kitchen. The thought made my fingers tingle.
I couldn’t wait for Celeste to see this little place.
Out back, I explored the garden, which was a mix of dead herbs, possibly some wildflowers, and tangled vines climbing up a wooden trellis. A beautiful stone path had been builtthroughout the yard, leading to various areas of the gardens. There was a garden shed not too far from the cottage.
Soon, there’d be no sign of these plants once the snow came.
I brushed my fingers over a cluster of dead lavender, still able to smell its calming scent.
A hidden stone fox, its eyes shining as if it were watching me, sat under an old lilac bush. I reached for it and pulled it closer to the lavender so it could get a little sun and possibly bake some of the moss off it.
I spent an hour or so wandering the paths, plucking dead weeds, and admiring the beauty tucked away. This little patch of Stonewick was mine to care for, and as I stood back, taking it all in, I felt a sense of belonging—a feeling I hadn’t realized I was missing.
And then I heard his voice.
Chapter Thirteen
Lost in thought, I nearly jumped when the deep timbre rattled my insides.
Turning, I found Keegan striding up the path, hands casually in his pockets, his gaze trained on the garden with that familiar, unreadable look.
When he finally looked over, his eyes lit with a hint of amusement.
I touched my cheek, feeling dirt, and attempted to brush it off.
“What are you doing inmybackyard?” I was only half teasing.
“Well, technically…” He tilted his head and walked over.
“Very funny. I have no problem moving out if you can’t respect the boundaries between landlord and tenant.” My brows lifted in jest. It was hard to believe I was looking at the man Keegan had become, and so many years had slipped by between us.
It was funny that I remembered the boy but not the town.
He rocked on his heels and nodded. “No, you’re right. I won’t make a habit of it. I just wanted to see how you settled in and if you had any questions.”
I laughed and shook my head. “Would you answer them even if I did?”
Bemusement bounced across his gaze. “Fair point.”
“It’s the only point I can make with you.” I shrugged. “You knew I was staying at your hotel, found me at a tea shop, handed me a priceless photo of my dad, and ever since, have refused to answer any questions I have about my past.”
“I’m sorry it comes across that way.”
“You even showed up when I passed out at a tarot card shop.” I frowned and shook my head. “That’s not how it’s come across. It’s how it is.”
He nodded and sighed when I realized he still wouldn’t divulge much.
I shrugged, trying to keep my expression neutral. His presence was as magnetic as ever, and I was keenly aware of the pull he had on me, but I’d be damned if I was going to fall for the hot-and-cold routine of a man who kept his walls so tightly guarded.
“Anyway, thank you for allowing me to stay here. I’ll do my best to keep it tidy and polish it up a little. I can’t wait to garden this spring.”
His brows lifted in surprise. “You think you’ll still be here this spring?”
