Page 22 of Rekindled Prophecy

“Exactly how much food do you think it will require to blast through our alcohol- muddled brains, Maureen?” Greylyn quipped as she reached into the cabinet for the bottle of painkillers.

“I haven’t gone that overboard drinking in a long while, but it was so nice to relax and catch up with you, sweetie. Guess I should’ve kept a better eye on how much we imbibed. My head hasn’t felt this bad since Robert took me to Las Vegas for our twentieth anniversary.” She tried to laugh but grimaced at the pain it caused.

“Someone else has a little hangover?” a husky male voice asked from the doorway. Greylyn inwardly frowned but tossed him the bottle of Excedrin.

He nodded at the large beer mugs turned coffee cups and chuckled. “Yes, it does appear you two lovely ladies may also be suffering this morning if those coffee cups are any indication. If you don’t mind, I think I’ll avail myself of a tall mug as well.”

With that, he walked back out to the dining room. As soon as he exited the room, she felt able to breathe again.

“Greylyn, would you be a dear and take some of the platters that I’ve already fixed into the dining room, so Kael won’t need to wait for his food. You both go ahead and dive in. I’ll join you as soon as the eggs are ready. Sunny-side up and just a little runny, right?” The innkeeper beamed.

It seemed Maureen still felt the need to play Cupid. Somewhat begrudgingly, Greylyn scooped up the platters and headed to the dining room where he waited patiently.

As she walked in, Kael put his newly poured coffee down on the table and came over to relieve her of one of the trays.

“Smells delicious, doesn’t it?” he said as he gingerly set the food down on the buffet serving table. “Our hostess has outdone herself this morning. I’ve heard of feeling hungry enough to eat a horse, but I do believe she’s fixed enough to equal that sentiment,” he joked with a small chuckle. Moving next to her, he continued, his voice soft, “Although, my dear, you look and smell more delectable than this lavish feast.”

He was a mere inch away, with his hands placed on both sides of her, trapping her in between the buffet table and himself. His warm breath caressed her face as she inwardly fought the urge to lean in closer.

“I trust you weren’t plagued with any more nasty shadows last night and that you slept well. I know I certainly had sweet dreams.”

With a deep, calming intake of breath, her eyes darted around for a way out that did not involve breaking his arms. The best she could do was to duck under his arms and casually stride over to the table to pick up her coffee mug.

Undeterred, he walked over to the table and pulled out a chair while gesturing for her to take a seat.

My, what a gentleman!

“So, have you figured it out yet?”

“Figured what out?” He really was becoming quite annoying.

“Why we are both here? Coincidence?” The way his eyes gleamed, she doubted coincidence had a damn thing to do with it.

“Not quite. So why not be a dear, cut the crap and tell me?”

He chuckled softly as he stood behind her chair, hands perched above her shoulders on the top of the high-backed chair. “Now, what fun would that be? Maybe I’m here to inflict catastrophic damage to the whole town? Maybe I enjoy disrupting weddings? Maybe I’m just here for you.” For some reason, her heart skipped a couple beats at that last. “Or perhaps, I’m here to help.”

Just as she was about to round on him, of course, their hostess chose that second to come into the dining room with the remainder of the breakfast feast. The woman’s smile beamed from ear to ear. At least someone was enjoying herself this morning.

“Maureen, let me take that from you. Please sit down with us.” He quickly swept the tray from her slender, yet sturdy arms before she had a chance to protest.

One look at her expression and it was clear that any hopes of disillusioning her friend of the gentleman’s charms were long gone. However, this good-guy act wore on Greylyn’s nerves.

After Maureen said a quick blessing over the bountiful breakfast, all three heartily dug into the bacon, biscuits, and eggs. The only sounds heard were those of silverware clinking on plates. Once plates were emptied, the threesome sat back in their chairs with full, satisfied bellies. Maureen excused herself to clear away the dishes. Both guests offered to help her clean up: Kael to play nice guy for the innkeeper, Greylyn as a ruse to get away from him. They were both scolded to remember their roles as guests, not as the help.

To avoid remaining alone in the dining room with the dark guardian, Greylyn begged the use of the inn’s laundry room. She had been traveling for weeks without the convenience of a washer and dryer. She failed to mention the part about her soaking wet and koi pond filth-covered clothes.

Kael gave her a quick, wicked wink to tell her that he knew exactly why she needed to wash her clothes. Thankfully, he kept it to himself.

Maureen readily agreed, then swept out of the door to tend to the kitchen clean up and preparations for the arrival of her new guests. Quickly gulping down the rest of her coffee, Greylyn headed towards the exit to escape, but Kael grabbed her wrist. “Just think about it. Maybe I am here to help.”

Sure, Kael. I will believe that when pigs fly.

If there was one thing clear from last night and this morning’s encounters it was that Kael knew a lot more than he let on. Perhaps he was the key to discovering the information she needed. She wasmore determined than ever to find out what he was hiding. He was not here for the cordial company. He was not here to simply take wedding pictures. And he damn sure was not here to help.

Chapter 10

Discovery

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