Page 23 of Carnal Magic
Where I might have gone over the top was how high the slit went up the front. The tiny buttons ended just below my crotch. Every time I took a step, my bare legs slashed through the velvet well up my thigh. If I wasn’t careful, I could even flash my very nice new lingerie in delicate red silk. I’d found a beautiful pair of Gucci pumps with sparkly Salem-style buckles that matched the buckle on my black silk witch hat.
But it was more than the undeniably gorgeous designer clothes. I had a glow about me that looked like I’d worked a massive glamor spell to accomplish. Or perhaps sacrificed a few virgins to bathe in their blood. My skin gleamed like dewy, delicate flower petals. My emerald eyes sparkled with energy. My hair flowed around my shoulders like molten platinum, perfectly smooth and shiny.
I looked hot as hell and very, very witchy.
And very, very powerful.
My body was primed. My nipples rubbed against the velvet. Too hard, too sensitive. The sexy lingerie only made me more aware of my ass and pussy. The thong slid between my cheeks. The silk moistened, clinging to my flesh. I wasn’t aroused, not exactly. Just…
Ready. A lioness headed out to take a walk around the savannah. Not exactly hungry, but she wasn’t going to hesitate if a nice juicy gazelle appeared in her path.
In these heels and dress, I felt like a walking sex goddess on steroids.
On a Sunday. In Arkansas.
Amy and Drew dressed conservatively. If they were more like Ingrid… Then I’d made a serious mistake with the dress. Though feeling like this, I could have worn sweatpants and still worried that I was too obvious.
The door opened. Quickly, I said, “Happy Halloween!”
Amy’s eyes lit up. “Arwena!”
Then she looked down my body in a slow, admiring way that made my skin warm. A flush pulsed through me. Not embarrassment. Raw heat.
“Your costume is incredible.” She dragged her gaze back up to mine. Blushing, she took my hand. “Let me introduce you to everyone.”
She wore a dress, but it was even more conservative than the funeral apparel I’d seen them in last night. Long sleeved with a very proper bodice and below-knee length, it looked like she’d come home from church and forgotten to change.
I really wanted to turn around and walk right back out her door. “I didn’t know it was going to be a party.”
“Just the family. First, our twins, Harrison and Emerson. They’re six. Boys, say hello to Miss Redwine.”
The boys sat on the floor in front of a big-screen television with their Halloween loot in piles between them. “Hello,” they said in unison, though neither looked up.
I didn’t blame them. As a kid their age, all I’d cared about was my candy too, and making sure I got rid of the nasty circus peanuts or candy corn.
“You’ve already met Grandad.” She raised her voice a little to get Sam’s attention. “Pop!”
He turned from the football game he was watching, looked me up and down, and then wagged his finger at me in silent warning.
I arched a brow at him in a daring challenge. Maybe I wouldn’t go after his married son. Maybe I’d go after both him and his wife. Amy sure hadn’t been able to hide her appreciation.
A low whistle drew both Amy and I toward a man standing in the hallway. He stared, his mouth sagging open. He was younger than Drew with a thick, beautiful shock of curly hair that stood several inches above his head, making him look well over six-foot tall.
“My brother, Austin. This is Arwena Redwine, one of Drew’s clients.”
“Ma’am.” Austin gave himself a shake and stepped closer, holding out his hand. “I had no idea Drew had clients who lived out here in the wilderness.” As soon as I slipped my fingers into his, he lifted my hand to his mouth, pressing an embarrassingly long kiss to my knuckles. “Let alone any who are as lovely as you.”
Amy smacked his arm. “Leave her alone. She’smyfriend.”
“Andmyclient.” Drew came closer, drying his hands on a towel. “Though I hope we’re well on our way to becoming friends too.”
Touched more than I could say, I almost gave them both spontaneous hugs. “Yes, definitely. Thank you for inviting me.”
Drew wore gray dress pants as before, though he’d discarded the coat and tie. His shirt sleeves were rolled up to his elbow. I had to admit that for an attorney, he had nice forearms. Tanned and corded with sinew, as if he worked around the farm even though he also worked out of an office in Little Rock. Even more attractive, he’d been doing dishes.
I loved a man who was willing to help out around the house without bitching.
Evidently all the food was ready, but it took Amy a full five minutes to convince the kids to come to the table. Austin and Sam both scrambled to sit beside me, and despite the significant age difference, Sam almost beat him. Letting out a disgusted mumble about disrespectful young’uns, he moved over to the head of the table. Drew sat down at the other end of the table, to my right, and Amy finally got the kids into their seats across from us.
