Bewitched by Christmas Read online

  She gentle caressed a leaf and smiled, “much better.”

  “See,” Aunt Margret said, “you can heal, grow, and give life. You are stronger than you think or give yourself credit for. You will be able to help them. Now come on, I have a feeling that Mister Hotness and his equally hot entourage will be a while.”

  “Aunt Margret,” giggled Allie.

  “I call it as I see it,” smiled Aunt Margret, waggling her eyebrows. “Speaking of cats, I bet they’re hungry. Let’s go feed the critters. Kitty needs to get her exercise by moving and running to the food dish.”

  Chapter 10

  Later that night Allie couldn’t find sleep. She tossed and turned in her bed for what felt like hours as the day’s events ran through her head. She sighed heavily and tossed the covers aside and listened.

  Plus, every place he’d touched her with his hands and mouth still tingled. He probably thought she was easy. Allie sighed, but hell, he made her forget himself. How did two people who only met a short time ago feel so strongly toward each other? For a second, her aunt’s face popped in her head and Allie shook herself.

  No; no, Aunt Margret wouldn’t do that. It was just nature—natural—meant to be or something. Her mind raced with possibilities.

  At two in the morning the house was so utterly quiet, And Allie was not going to fall back to sleep.

  She pulled on an old pair of shorts she’d left at her aunt’s house months ago and an old cotton knee-length robe, tying it around her waist and pulled up her socks that had managed to slouch down around her ankles.

  Slipping into the hall, Allie soon realized just how dark it was and cursed inwardly as she stubbed her little toe on the edge of the door.

  Snapping her fingers, soft light began to radiate out.

  The little orb danced along beside her shoulder as she moved, providing her with sufficient light to make her way to her aunt’s greenhouse downstairs.

  The greenhouse offered her a place of sanctuary and quiet where her stress and anxiety seemed to melt away once she started to work the earth and plants with her hands.

  The power within her hummed as she quietly closed the door behind her and took a deep breath of fragrant air. It was the smell of dirt, herbs, flowers, and life. It settled her soul.

  She found some pots half filled with dirt that her aunt had been preparing to use and began working. Not too far away were some little packs of seeds just waiting to be planted.

  Allie squinted and sighed. Snapping her fingers, two more orbs appeared beside her. “Better,” she whispered and smiled.

  She set to work on the first pot, adding more soil, compost, and nutrient pellets. She moved her hands around the dirt and felt some of the stress of the day instantly begin to melt away.

  She picked up the pack labeled mint and reached in, pulling out a pinch of tiny dark brown—almost black—seeds. Allie sprinkled them over the dirt and then lightly covered them up.

  She then moved her hand over the pot and took a calming breath. She closed her eyes and focused all the energy she felt inside herself outward toward the seeds. She felt the all-too-familiar tingle in her hands and sighed.

  “Holy shit,” sounded from behind her and Allie’s eyes shot open as she spun around. The somewhat peaceful feeling she’d achieved shattered, and her heart pounded inside her chest.

  Brock was headed right for her. All six-foot-three inches of him. It was too late; he’d witnessed her magic, but out of panic, she snapped her fingers and the orbs disappeared.

  Within seconds, Brock stood right in front of her. Allie could feel the heat rolling off his bare chest and standing this close she could smell his masculine scent and she groaned.

  “What the hell, Allie,” came Brock’s deep voice.

  “Brock,” Allie all but whispered back.

  “Where did they go? The balls of light?” Brock asked, stepping a little closer.

  “I don’t know—“ Allie started, but he cut her off.

  “I heard something and thought maybe someone had found us or someone was in trouble—you were in trouble.” He paused. “I followed the sounds and saw the door close to the greenhouse.”

  Allie couldn’t respond. She just stood there with his presence overwhelming her.

  “When I gently, quietly pulled it open, do you know what I saw?” Brock asked.

  “No,” Allie sighed.

  “You,” he said, “humming and playing in the dirt like the happiest little kid on earth. I was thinking how you fucking mess with my head in ways no woman has,” he paused, “then I spotted the light that just seemed to hang in the air. You moved your hands over the dirt and something began to grow.” Brock stepped closer so that their bodies almost touched. “What the hell was that, Allie?” His voice grew deeper, “What the fuck did I just see?”

  “Please,” Allie begged, taking a step back until her bottom hit the edge of the table where she’d been working.

  “Answer me, Allie,” he sighed, “because either I am dreaming or I’m on a serious acid trip.”

  “Neither,” she answered quietly.

  She could barely make him out in the darkness, but she felt his finger brush the side of her face gently, soothingly.

  “Talk to me, Allie,” Brock murmured trying to bring his intensity down a notch. “What was that?”

  “Magic,” Allie whispered self-consciously.

  “Magic.” Brock repeated. “Like magic, magic? Are you screwing with me?” He paused for a moment, looking at her. Her green eyes stared into his, pleading for understanding. “Magic,” he repeated, “Like hocus pocus kind of magic?”

  “Magic,” Allie echoed, this time a little louder.

  “Prove it,” Brock answered.

  Allie didn’t know what to make of him. There was a teasing tone to his voice that unnerved her. Any stories she’d heard from fellow witches, this was not the normal outcome.

  “Allie,” he said to bring her attention back to him. He leaned into her so his hot breath played across the sensitive skin of her ear and neck, “Prove it.”

  “You’re messing with my head.” she muttered. “Why are you not freaking out?”

  “Let’s chalk it up to an obsession with certain types of movies when I was in high school,” he chuckled. “I just never thought magic was real and I’m intrigued. Show me, Allie. Please.”

  Allie leaned her forehead against the warm skin of his chest and she felt him rest his chin on her head. She sighed. She was hesitant, afraid to show him what she could do, even if this was just a small part. She sighed again as she battled the decision.

  “Allie, I know we only met a few days ago, but I think you’re feeling the same thing I am,” he paused, “and to be honest, it scares the shit out of me because I have never felt this way for a woman. I’m not used to this, but for some reason, with you, it's different.”

  “Are you sure?” Allie sighed.

  “About us or the magic?” asked Brock.

  Allie chuckled, “The magic.”

  “And us,” Brock replied, “unless you put a spell on me,” he teased and chuckled.

  His deep voice sent shivers down her spine. “Brock—”

  “All of it,” he said, interrupting her. “Sometimes in your life you need to jump; you have to jump with both feet and hope you land on the other side.”

  “Not a good analogy,” Allie sighed.

  “I’m not going to run,” Brock reassured her.

  Allie pushed away from him and took a calming breath, raised her hand slightly into the air and snapped her fingers.

  A very soft orangey glow manifested between them. He slowly smiled.

  “I came down here to the greenhouse because I couldn't sleep. There was so much spinning around in my head and too much energy humming in my body,” Allie mused, meeting his gaze. “I came down here because for me, in the greenhouse, I can escape from the stress and I have a way to channel it.”

  “I’m sorry about earlier,” Brock replied, taking a
step toward her. “I won't pretend to know what came over me. I just knew I had to touch you.”

  “It’s okay,” Allie half-smiled. “I partook, as well.”

  For a few moments, Allie watched as his gaze moved from her to the orb and back to her.

  “I understand the need for a quiet space,” Brock grinned and tried to poke the orb, but his finger just went through it. “Thank you for showing me and helping me to know I’m not crazy.” They both chuckled. “This is so cool,” he admired. “When I was watching you, the orb seemed brighter.”

  Allie smiled. “I can control the size and brightness of the orbs.” She demonstrated by snapping her fingers to make a similar orb appear but larger than the first. “I can control the color, as well.”

  “Mood lighting,” Brock joked, waggling his eyebrows. He saw the hesitant, insecure look in her eyes. “I’m not running off, Allie. I promise. I don't break promises.”

  Allie took a deep breath and nodded her head.

  “Show me the plant,” Brock requested, moving to stand beside her.

  Allie turned and gazed at the beautiful, fully-grown mint plants ready to be harvested. She just shook her head and reached for one of the small seed packets. Lemon balm.

  She sprinkled the tiny black seeds over the dirt and then placed her hands over the pot. Within moments, the seeds grew into beautiful adult plants.

  “That is awesome,” Brock muttered from beside her.

  Allie smiled.

  “I’m not running,” Brock stated.

  “I see that,” answered Allie.

  “I’m not leaving,” he reiterated.

  “I know. Thank you.”

  “Thank you for showing me,” Brock murmured, leaning in to kiss her cheek. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?”

  “Well,” Allie began, but his mouth moved over hers. He overwhelmed her senses, but she loved the feel of him, the taste of him, the warmth of him.

  He explored her mouth with his tongue as his hands untied her robe and snaked their way inside. The short shorts she wore exposed her beautiful legs and her skin was so soft.

  She groaned as his hands moved over her body and she pressed herself tighter to him. Soon the plants were moved to the side and Brock had her bottom propped up the table, her legs wrapped around his waist.

  “This is too fast,” Allie stated as she tried to catch her breath.

  “I will not do anything you’re not ready for,” Brock whispered against her ear before nipping her earlobe. Allie groaned and let her head fall back, giving him better access to the sensitive skin of her neck and chest.

  His hand found its way higher up under her shirt and was surprised to find she wore no bra. He growled and pulled her hips tighter against his own.

  Allie groaned as he found her sensitive spot where he began to focus his attention. She shouldn’t be doing this, but her head was so fogged, no rational thought could break through.

  Brock caught her mouth as she felt her release and groaned in satisfaction, only to feel it being replaced with shocked amusement as multiple tiny little orbs filled the air above their heads.

  “Well,” Brock said meeting her gaze and kissing her deeply, “that’s interesting.”

  Allie looked up to see what he was talking about as the fog cleared from her head. Her eyes widened and her face flushed red as she saw all the little orbs floating and twinkling about them.

  Allie hid her face in his bare shoulder.

  “Don’t be embarrassed,” Brock smiled. “Do what you do and we’ll head upstairs.”

  Allie yelped as he gently picked her up and cradled her in his arms. Allie needed time to think and wrap her head around this, but for the moment she would enjoy it. “If you carry me up to bed, mister, I am not sleeping with you.”

  “Perfectly fine with me,” Brock smiled. “I’ll just keep you warm.”

  “Snuggle?”

  “If that’s what you want to call it,” he teased.

  “Okay.” Allie lifted her hand and snapped her fingers quietly “But just cuddling.” The orbs disappeared and Brock carried her upstairs.

  Chapter 11

  There was a loud banging on the door.

  “What in the hell,” exclaimed Margret as she hastily opened her door to two older women staring at her from the cold. “Have you both lost your minds? What the hell is wrong with you two? Are you trying to give me a heart attack?”

  The two women looked at each other and then at Margret, then pushed past her and inside the house.

  “You damn well know, you old bird, that I do not want to kill you,” spat Betty. “That is no way to greet your dearest and best friend.”

  “Well, what am I? Chopped liver?” asked Brenda from where she stood beside Betty. “She’s known me about as long as you.”

  Margret exhaled sharply, “You are both my friends, but why are you banging on my door like mad women?”

  Betty and Brenda both looked at each other.

  “Well, I needed a ride because my car is in the shop and the hubby is using my car for work,” stated Brenda.

  “And I was on my way out the door to head your way when I received a call from Brenda that she needed a ride to your house, so I picked her up,” replied Betty.

  “It actually was pretty good timing,” said Brenda.

  “Yes, it was, wasn’t it,” answered Betty.

  “You do realize it is only nine o’clock,” Margret said to both Betty and Brenda, “in the morning.”

  “And?” retorted Brenda.

  “Who the hell are you trying to fool?” asked Betty with a chuckle. “You are usually up by six or seven and already in the greenhouse or up to something.”

  Betty and Brenda both chuckled.

  Margret grinned. “Not the point.” She looked up to the second floor and then back to the two women standing in front of her. “If you wake them up, I will kill you.”

  “Wake who up?” asked Brenda, puzzled as Betty’s face light with realization. “And you would not kill me. You don't have it in you.”

  “I heard something downstairs last night and I went to see what it was,” stated Margret. “and I guess they sorted everything out.”

  “So, everything is going well?” asked Brenda. “Oh, which is why I am here,” she announced.

  “Are they…?” Betty smiled, pointing up stairs.

  “Well, I accidentally caught a glimpse of them kissing last night in the greenhouse.” Margret sighed, “I’m not sure, but if they did or not, it’s not my business.” She looked at the two women. “But, I do not want to ruin it with you two old birds squawking as loud as you possibly can. You will wake them up.”

  “It’s okay I’m up,” came Allie’s voice and all three women jumped, their cheeks turning red from being caught. Allie had only heard the last part. She smiled widely at the three women and laughed. “You ladies look guilty.”

  Brenda didn’t miss a beat and blurted out, “He knows,” before she could stop herself. She quickly covered her mouth with her hands.

  Margret turned to fully face Allie, “What does she mean he knows?!”

  “Just tell us,” Betty interrupted. “You know you can't get much past Brenda.” Betty smiled, elbowing her friend.

  “True,” Brenda confirmed, “and I’m actually glad you're up. The reason I'm here deals with you and your tall cup of tea,” Brenda teased.

  “You mean a tall drink of water, Brenda,” exclaimed Betty with an exasperated look. Brenda just smiled.

  All eyes turned to Brenda, “How did you know they were here? Never mind. I should have realized you’d know they were here,” muttered Margret. “To put out so much effort to get over here in such a hurry, something must be wrong.”

  Brenda again just smiled.

  “You know Brenda, sometimes your gift really creeps me out. Look, I have goose bumps,” mumbled Betty and was rewarded with a swat from Brenda.

  “Okay ladies, focus,” Margret scolded. “Allie,” she repeated, “he know
s? You told him what you could do? What you are?”

  Allie sighed and rubbed her hands together, “Well, sort of. He saw me, but it wasn’t on purpose.” Allie told them what happened, minus the hot and heavy parts.

  “Well, that’s wonderful,” beamed Betty. “This is a very good sign.”

  “If they bolt, it takes a few weeks,” muttered Margret, “or a few months.”

  “Hey, negative Nancy,” exclaimed Betty, “no raining on her parade. Be positive.”

  “What she said,” added Brenda.

  “Hello, I am standing right here,” Allie retorted. “He was not freaked out. Trust me.”

  ~*~

  Brock woke to find his arms empty and although they’d not made love, he’d felt something last night that he had not felt before—fulfillment, happiness, contentment—and waking without her made him feel oddly empty.

  Max meowed from the foot of the bed and Brock gingerly petted the cat, before seemingly content, it jumped off the bed and slipped out the cracked door.

  He thought about Allie and what the feelings inside him meant before he moved to get out of the bed. He was thirty-one, and until now, the thought of an emotional relationship—one with attachment—did not entice him. But Allie was different.

  He still wasn’t sure what to think about what he’d seen, what he’d learned about her and magic.

  Everyone sees movies with witches in them or heard stories as a kid. Some, of course, dress up as witches for Halloween. Everyone knew about the Salem Witch trials, but witches didn’t really exist.

  Now Allie was testing his resolve. What he’d believed to be fact—witches did not really exist—was blown from the water and he was faced with Allie. But she was nothing like what the world thought of witches or of magic. She was good.

  Brock sighed and slipped into his navy colored t-shirt and clean jeans, courtesy of David. He ran a hand though his hair and started downstairs.

  Oddly, it didn’t bother Brock if Allie could do a little magic. It was surreal, but he was honestly okay with it.