Page 30 of Touch Of Fate
“We are having dinner?” Rome follows them as they disappear around the corner.
“Why wouldn’t we?” Adeline asks. “You aren’t very welcoming.”
“I see you all the time.” Rome stands at the end of the next aisle, his hands on his hips. He is just as attractive when he is annoyed.
“Mara wants to get to know us. Don’t disappoint her,” Margarete lectures, and I swallow the laugh bubbling up.
I tune out their words but enjoy the loveliness of the chatter in the store. When it’s just Lace and me, there are hours of silence. We work well together and understand each other's thoughtswithout needing to speak. I like the energy flowing through the space. Even though they look my age, I feel the wisdom in their magic. It’s a welcoming sensation I haven’t felt since Mom was alive. Margarete reminds me of Mom, and it’s bittersweet. I imagine their spunk was embarrassing for a young Rome. Seeing them together now, I see the love Rome has for them through the frustration.
I don’t quite know how to act. Lace was right; I push down my emotions. What is the point of sharing them? Before yesterday, my sister was the only one in my life. I don’t feel comfortable sharing everything with Savy, and it has nothing to do with her. She is sweet and open. The three of us banded together in this new place. Family, yet not. It’s natural to be secretive as a witch; we protect our spells and knowledge and are sensitive to those who could reveal our true nature. I had closed off my heart to any possibility of love. Rome is a surprise, and I want to explore our bond.
“My Mara,” Rome says softly, appearing beside me. He cups my chin and turns my face. “You were lost in your thoughts.”
“Oh, sorry.” I stare into his eyes, his fingers holding me still. “Did you say something?”
“They are lost in the back. They will need a cart to pack out all the books they buy.” I smile, and his eyes drop to my lips. “Also, you have a customer wandering around.”
“Hey.” I look over the counter, and Rome’s hand drops. Oh shit. Cameron smiles at me, but he frowns when his gaze centers on Rome. “Are you busy? I want to pick your brain. I’m looking for something specific.”
“Umm…” I look desperately at the closed door to the back, wishing Lace were free.
“She is,” Rome grumbles. “Busy.” My eyes widen, focusing on Rome’s hard face.
“Actually—” I don’t know what I was going to say, but it would be easier to help our loyal customer.
“Who is this?” Adeline asks, popping behind Cameron.
“Cameron, a frequent customer,” I explain, hoping to diffuse the situation and ease Rome.
“Wonderful,” she replies, gazing at him. “I wonder if you would help me get a book off the top shelf. A nice tall man like you.” She grins, and I think Cameron is blinded by her.
“Uh…sure.” He looks at me briefly before Adeline pulls him away.
“He certainly looks interested,” Rome drawls, facing me as they move away.
“I mean…” I gulp. His jealousy isn’t affecting me like it should. The tick in his jaw draws my gaze. Damn. It turns me on. I don’t think anyone has ever been jealous over me. “I don’t like him. That way. He’s nice, but nothing has ever happened.”
“He wants it too.”
“How can you tell?”
“Am I a man?”
“Yes.” I lick my lips.
“He’s too shy to ask, but he likes you.”
“Maybe.” Liar. “But he won’t get me.” Rome stares at my lips.
“Oh, I know he won’t,” he says gruffly.
“Darling,” Margarete whispers, and I jump back. She’s standing behind Rome, her head tilted toward me. “That man is under the impression that he has a chance with you. Do you want Rome to dissuade him?” He drops his head to my shoulder, and I roll my lips. “Son.” She taps his shoulder. “His aura is murky. I don’t like him.” She looks over her shoulder. “I’ll check him out. Hide.” A giggle escapes. “Take her in the back.” Rome lifts his head and threads his fingers through mine.
“Do not interrupt us,” he orders, pulling me past her.
“Of course not,” she sputters. “We would never.”
“The register?” I ask over my shoulder as Rome leads us away.
