Page 9 of Night Magic

“You’re kidding, right?” Terri screeched as she dashed over to the refrigerator and took out a pitcher of margaritas.

“Believe me, I wish I was. I don’t know what to do now.” Her head was in a fog and her hands got clammy.

“I knew these would come in handy.” Terri grabbed two previously salted glasses from the counter and handed one to Krista.

“You think of everything.”

“I made them the way you like them. Start from the beginning. I’m a little concerned. I hope he isn’t one of those men who has a string of women on his list. You know I’m a skeptic after your ordeal with Andy.” Terri sat back and folded her arms.

Her best buddy’s concerned tone zapped Krista back into reality and made her second-guess why she’d accepted Jon’s invitation. Even though Terri was just under five feet, she was a ball of fire when it came to protecting her friend. She’d taken on the role of mother hen since Andy left her high and dry prior to the wedding.

Dating had taken a back burner since Krista had opened the shop, but inside she yearned for someone special in her life. A night in front of the television, wrapped in a cozy fleece blanket, eating ice cream out of the container, was no way for a woman her age to spend the weekends.

On edge, Krista shifted nervously in her seat and tried to find the strength to relive her romantic interlude with a total stranger. It had been years since she’d even kissed a man, let alone contemplated going all the way. If it weren’t for the interruption, she’d be wrapped in his arms, naked, sprawled on top of his desk. The very thought of his rock hard shaft aroused her, even hours later.

“I’ll start with telling you his office is in his house. It’s a magnificent space. I almost fainted when I walked in. Then, when I saw him, it topped it off.” She sighed and waited to hear the many reasons why she shouldn’t get involved with a man she had a professional relationship with. With a leery heart, yet butterflies filling her gut as she spoke of him, she struggled to make sense of it all.

She raised her brows. “He’s got to be a player, for sure. A professional man would never get involved with a client,” she said matter-of-factly.

“How did I know you’d react this way?” Krista squirmed in her chair, determined to convince her overprotective friend how wonderful Jon was. “You have to meet him. You’ll love him. I’m sure of it.” She paused and glanced away. “He…he asked me out on a dinner date, and I accepted.” She waited in anticipation for Terri’s screams of terror.

“I hope you know what you’re doing.” Her words came across like a traffic court judge in a morning session. She grit her teeth and placed a hand on her best friend’s leg, her tone softer. “I’m not about to sit back and let another man hurt my bestie.”

“Believe me, I’m not going to give my heart away as easy as you think. He’ll have to prove to me he’s worthy of it, but so far, he’s won brownie points.” She grinned. “He took care of his mother, and if a son treats his mother well, it says something about his character.” Inside, butterflies filled her belly at the scent of Jon’s cologne lingering on her clothes.

“Well, he better beware, that’s all I can say. Come outside while I put the burgers on the grill.” Standing, Terri picked up a hot pink serving tray and headed to the patio.

Relieved she’d gotten it all out, Krista picked up her glass and tagged along. Underneath a custom awning, the wooded area in back of Terri’s townhouse was a welcomed, peaceful retreat. A bright green lawn and an area to entertain with a fire pit surrounded by perfectly manicured shrubs gave off a feeling of enchantment. The fresh scent of pine filled the area. If only she could avoid dealing with her mean-spirited ex-fiancé.

Terri turned on the grill and put the burgers on it.

“Do you need help?”

“No, you relax.”

“I’m glad you invited me.”

“Wait until you taste the pesto. It’s to die for.” She flipped the patties a couple of times. When they were finally done, Terri piled the burgers on a plate. “I’ll be right back.” She returned with the rest of the meal, the pitcher of margaritas, and a bag of tortilla chips. After she placed the items down, she sat. “Help yourself. Tell me more about this hot lawyer.Bon appétit.” Terri reached for a burger and took a bite.

“You’re a nut, but I love nuts. All I can say is, I’ve never spent such an interesting afternoon,” Krista admitted.

“By the color of your cheeks, I can only imagine what you mean.” Terri laughed.

Grinning, Krista lifted the pitcher and poured two cocktails. She handed one to Terri. Exactly what she’d needed. She licked the salt off the side of the wide-rimmed glass and squeezed a slice of lime. She took a sip and rolled the tangy drink around her tongue before she swallowed.

She dug into the food. “This is delicious. You make the best burgers.” She wiped a smidgen of pesto from the side of her face.

“A juicy hamburger always helps after a long day.” Terri took a sip with a curious grin.

They devoured their food in minutes.

“I always eat when I’m anxious.” Krista took another gulp of her drink.

“I see, my friend.” Terri sat back. “Now tell me what the hot lawyer thinks of screwball’s accusations?”

“Jon didn’t think much of Andy’s idle threats. He doesn’t think I have anything to worry about.”

“I hope he’s right. I still don’t trust the creep.”

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