Armand stood in the hallway thinking about what had just happened. He wasn’t aware of the faded paint on the wall or the slight electric drone of the overhead light bulb. Nor was he noticing the cobwebs that hung in the corner near the ceiling or the scent of the dinner being prepared in an apartment down the hallway. No, all those things only registered on a subliminal level while his mind obsessed over one fact and one fact only.
He’d kissed Lucy.
Again.
What was it about her that made his self-control snap?
It is because she is meant to be ours, his bear pointed out, rolling its eyes as if to say ‘duh’.
Yes, when a bear met its true mate, they often knew immediately or at least sensed a strong pull towards the other person but he needed a sign from her, something that let him know she felt the same, that he wasn’t a passing fancy. Like all shifters, bears were cautious about revealing themselves to humans, only disclosing their existence to those who could be completely trusted.
Two years ago, when she’d told him she was leaving on a vacation with Melody to Chicago, he’d kissed her, letting her know he wanted her for his own. But she’d made no declaration of love, hadn’t cancelled her trip, had in fact looked at him with a stunned expression before walking away. He’d assumed that meant she wasn’t interested but maybe he should have said something, called her back, insisted she stay except…he hadn’t.
Should have, could have… His bear gave him an impatient glare.
Was he expecting too much? Wanting her to reveal her feelings while guarding his own? It would be a hard habit to break. Even after all these years, it was hard to forget his training; that an emotional response could lead to deadly error.
We have a second chance now. We must not make the same mistake again.
Correct. He wasn’t good with words, but he would definitely show her his feelings. This time Lucy would have no doubt of his desire for her.
A few hours later, Lou was in front of her bedroom mirror fixing her hair.
“Whatcha doin’?”
She looked over her shoulder at her roommate who was standing in the doorway behind her. “Getting ready to go out.”
“It looks more like you’re cleaning out your closet.” Roxi glanced at the clothing strewn all over the bed.
Lucy followed the direction of her gaze. The bed was covered with a good deal of her wardrobe, garment after garment tossed aside as she’d tried to decide what to wear. It wasn’t like she had to impress Armand; they’d known each other for years, yet an unexpected indecisiveness had plagued her when she’d begun to dress.
Maybe it was the fact he was taking her out for dinner. Yes, they’d had dinners together before; casual meals eaten at the Broken Antler before the bar had opened, or late-night snacks after closing when they would share tales of the funny events that happened that evening. However, they’d never gone to a restaurant before.
What kind of place would he take her to? Someplace casual like a fast food joint or one of those fancy restaurants at the top of a high-rise? Not knowing what to expect, she tried on several outfits before finally settling on a simple white and blue cotton dress. It wasn’t expensive, but it made her feel good and she needed all the confidence she could get tonight.
“Well?” Roxi prompted her. “C’mon, spill the beans. Tell me about Mr. No One who came looking for you today.”
She hesitated, covering her silence by applying lipstick, all the while deciding what she could safely share. Finally, she went with the bare basics. “His name is Armand.”
“And…?”
She shrugged. “I used to work for him ages ago. He’s an old friend.”
“Just a friend? So, if I was interested in him…” Roxi let her voice trail off and then laughed when she scowled. “Sorry. You don’t have to worry. He’s hot but not my type. Too outdoorsy for me.”
“Armand isn’t the kind you play around with.” She issued the warning just in case, while adding a touch of mascara to the tips of her lashes; not too much, just enough to brighten her eyes. “He’s different. I’ve known him for years and I’ve never even seen him go out with anyone.”
“So what’s his deal?”
She put away the mascara while considering the question. “Well, I guess that’s the problem. I don’t know.” She turned to face Roxi. “I’m not even sure why he’s here. I had a thing for him for years, but he never showed the least bit of interest in me, at least not until…”
“Until…?”
She traced a pattern on her dress as she recalled the day she left Stump River. “Just before I…um…moved away, he kissed me.”
“And that was it? He didn’t ask you to stay? Or call you? Or anything?”
“Nope.”
“So why didn’t you call him?”
“I decided to make a clean break, to start over again. Sometimes you just have to cut your losses.”
“So when he appeared today…?”
“I wasn’t expecting him. It was a complete shock when he showed up at the King’s Plate after all this time.”
“Ah-ha! That’s why you came home sick.”
She nodded. “I didn’t know what to do. I sort of freaked and slipped out the back. He must’ve followed me.”
“It sounds to me like he’s interested.”
“Maybe.” She shrugged. “All I know is that he’s going to be here soon.” She put on her glasses and then turned this way and that, examining herself in the mirror. “How do I look?”
“Amazing.”
“This dress, is it okay?” She tugged at the neckline wondering if it showed too much cleavage, then smoothed her hands over her hips. Not so long ago, she’d have been more concerned about not showing off enough. How things had changed.
Roxi pushed away from the doorframe. “It’s great. You look great.”
“Right.” She agreed even while giving herself a doubtful look and poking at her hair so more of her scar was covered. At least the blue in her dress went well with her eyes and drew attention away from the unsightly mark. Of course, if she wore the pink... Before she could change her clothes again, there was a knock on the door.
“That must be him.” Roxi hurried to answer the summons.
She followed more slowly, a hand pressed to her stomach where butterflies were doing a frenzied flamenco. Armand’s behaviour this afternoon had thrown her for a loop and she wasn’t sure what to expect from the evening.
“Lulu, your date is here.” Roxi’s singsong voice drifted down the hallway.
She would have liked to have said it wasn’t a date, but she didn’t really know. Taking a deep breath, she pinned a casual, friendly smile to her face and went to greet him. Armand stood in the middle of the room, his size dominating the small space.
“Hi Armand.”
“Hello Lucy.” His eyes swept over her. “You look very nice.”
“Thanks.” She took in his dress pants, neatly buttoned shirt and tie. It was a far cry from the jeans and plaid he normally wore while working at the Broken Antler. “You look pretty good, too.”
From her spot leaning on the breakfast counter, Roxi smirked. “Don’t you two make the cutest couple.”
She shot her roommate a dirty look.
Armand inclined his head towards Roxi. “Merci. It’s kind of you to say so.” He then turned his attention back to her and extended his arm in an old-world gesture. “Are you ready to go?”
“Sure.” She grabbed her purse from where it sat on the table near the door and then took his arm.
“Don’t stay out too late,” Roxi called after them. “Behave. And be home by midnight!”
Lucy pulled the apartment door firmly shut. “Sorry. She likes to tease.”
“She cares about you. You need someone to watch out for you in a place like this.”
She stifled a snort of disbelief at the idea of Roxi taking care of her; it was more the other way around. Of course, Armand wouldn’t know that. He still thought of her as the person she’d been. But if that was the case… “This afternoon, you said it was because I’m a woman. Now it’s the place that’s the problem?”
“Chicago is a big city.”
“A big city is just filled with people and buildings like a small town is. The only difference is there are more of them.”
“You were mugged.” He made a face as if the words left a bad taste in his mouth. “That wouldn’t have happened back home.”
“Maybe not, but there were still lots of occasions when I had to take care of myself working at the Broken Antler.” She began to list some of the more common incidents. “Drunken men making passes, the rowdy crowds on hockey nights, poker games that turned nasty...dozens of times.”
“True.” He slowly nodded. “You kept them in line by threatening to cut off their supply of beer.”
“Damn right, I would. And if there was a bar fight, I was pretty good at using my serving platter to whack anyone who got too close to me.”
Armand chuckled. “The men were afraid of that serving platter.”
She laughed, enjoying the shared memories.
He held the door open for her as they exited the apartment building, helped her into the waiting taxi and gave the driver the address. As they pulled into traffic, he nodded towards the window. “Tell me about this city you live in.”
She turned her attention to the scenery, acting as a tour guide, explaining various points of interest.
“There are too many buildings,” he grumbled, “and not enough trees.”
“It’s a city. You expect all these people to live and work in tree houses?”
He made a disparaging sound as they inched along through the traffic. “And there are cars everywhere.”
“Stump River has cars.”
“Not this many.”
She sighed. “Is there anything about Chicago that you like?”
He slid a glance her way. “You.”
His answer caught her by surprise and she fumbled over what to say, finally replying as she would have to a customer she was serving. “Aren’t you the sweetest thing.” She accompanied the words with a wink and a pat on his arm.
He opened his mouth to respond but her cellphone rang and when she checked the number, she swore softly. She’d completely forgotten she was scheduled to help at the drop-in centre!
She gave Armand an apologetic look before pressing her phone to her ear. “Hi Neil.”
“Neil?” Armand bristled beside her. “Who is he?”
She waved her hand to shush him. “Neil, I’m so sorry. I completely forgot I was scheduled to help you today. I left work early because I…um…wasn’t feeling well.” Her eyes flicked towards Armand as Neil spoke. “No, I’m fine now. Just a passing thing. If you need me—”
A car beside them honked its horn loudly as another vehicle cut in front of it.
“I’m sorry, what did you say? … Oh, I’m in a taxi. An old friend stopped by and he’s taking me out to dinner … Are you sure you can manage without me? I could stop by and help and then go out afterward.”
The look Armand gave her had her wincing but thankfully Neil said they weren’t that busy and would make do without her. She apologized again and ended the call.
“That was Neil.”
“So you said.” Armand folded his arms and turned to look out the window.
“I volunteer at a drop-in centre and forgot I was supposed to be there today. Neil was worried about me.”
“How very…kind of him.”
“Yes. He’s a very nice man.” She cringed at her own words. “We’re just friends though.” Why had she felt the need to explain that?
“So are we, according to what you told him.”
“Well we are, aren’t we?”
“Oui.” He rubbed his neck, his French phrasing creeping in. “Désolé.” Taking a deep breath, he continued, “It’s commendable, this work you do helping at a drop-in centre. If you’re needed there, our dinner can wait for another hour or so.”
His words had her melting. He really was a kind, caring, generous man—
“Besides, I would like to see this Neil person.”
—sort of.
He’s jealous, the voice inside her whispered in a pleased tone. That means he isn’t indifferent.
She turned her face towards the window to hide her smile.
They arrived at the restaurant a few minutes later. As he paid the driver, she looked at the place he’d chosen. An older building in the warehouse district, the owners had combined exposed brick, metal and wood elements to create a casual upscale atmosphere. A jazz band was playing in the background while small water features trickled softly nearby. Through arching metal gates a patio area could be seen featuring candlelit tables, window boxes spilling with flowers and fairy lights strung everywhere. One item in particular caught her attention.
“I see you found a tree.” She teased, nodding towards the large one that stood in the centre of the space, its branches helping to support the strings of lights.
“The concierge at the hotel suggested this place. The tree is an added benefit.” Armand placed his hand in the small of her back as they followed the hostess to a table in a quiet corner. Once they were seated, he glanced at the menu. “I hope there’s something here that you’ll like.”
She scanned the selections. “It all sounds delicious.”
They spent a few minutes choosing their meal and she began to relax; the comfortable feeling of familiarity she’d always had around him returning. After deliberating with the waiter over the proper wine to go with their meal—a task Armand took quite seriously—he leaned back in his chair.
“I’ve missed you.” He gave a rueful smile. “I should have said that this afternoon.”
Again, his statement caught her unaware and she rearranged her utensils before flicking a look up at him. “I…I’ve missed you, too. And I guess I can understand how you feel. You had to get it off your chest.”
He slowly nodded. There was an awkward silence, neither of them knew what to say, then he cleared his throat.
“How are you feeling? Were you badly injured in the mugging?”
“I’m sure Ryne made it sound worse than it was. I grazed my cheek and ripped a fingernail. It was no big deal.”
He raised his brows. “And yet it was a big enough deal for you to call him after two years of silence.”
She tried to make light of the incident. “I needed his help to get my ID replaced; he arranged for it the first time so I figured he could do it again.”
“And…?” Armand gave her a knowing look.
Damn, Ryne must have told him everything! “Okay, I panicked. I heard a noise, saw this big limo and overreacted. I shouldn’t have told him though. I’m sure he made it sound like I was completely falling apart.”
“I’m glad you shared your feelings with him. If you hadn’t, I wouldn’t have known you’re alive.”
She flinched at the hint of criticism. “Armand, I really am sorry.”
“So you said before.” He looked away, his jaw tight.
“I had my reasons. I told you that.” She felt guilty and yet, at the same time angry with him for making her feel that way.
Thankfully, the appetizers arrived and she managed to change the conversation.
“Tell me all about Stump River. How is Ruth? Does Beth still run the newspaper? And Ryne, he’s a daddy now?”
Armand gave her a look that let her know he was well aware of her avoidance tactic, but he followed her lead. The rest of the meal passed with him telling her bits and pieces of news. She laughed at the various incidents, glad to hear that most of the residents were still doing well. The happenings in the community were familiar, small town life seldom changed. It was one of the annoying things about the place and yet endearing at the same time. You knew who you were and where you stood in a place like that. The only problem was what if you didn’t like where you stood? It was hard to get out of the niche people assigned you. She sighed quietly to herself, her feelings about Stump River as confused as the ones she had for the man who sat across from her.
Roxi sprawled on the sofa, a bowl of popcorn carefully balanced on her stomach and a can of soda on the table beside her. Idly, she flicked through the television channels.
“News? Nope, too depressing.” She clicked the remote. “How tin cans are made? I couldn’t care less.”
The next channel had an action movie and she watched for a while, munching on her popcorn but the special effects were laughable. Mechanical monsters always looked so fake.
A romance? Nah, it reminded her too much of her own boyfriend-less state. It did have her wondering how Lulu’s date was going, though.
She was sure Lulu had no idea the man was a shifter or that a world filled with Others even existed. Shifters, witches and Fae lived below the human radar for the most part. And while Lulu said she’d known the man for years, it was doubtful he had shared his secret.
Of course, she herself knew about the other world. She came from a family of witches, much to her regret. Her family prided itself on its magical abilities and unfortunately, she was completely lacking in witching ability, a childhood virus leaving her without any powers.
“When the Creators said ‘powers’ you thought they said ‘showers’ and went to take one.”
Yeah, that’s what the other witchlings had always teased her with.
“Well, being a witch just makes you a bitch,” she’d countered back.
Yeah, she’d held her own against them and now she lived on the fringes, straddling the realm of humans and Others, not really belonging to either group. It might have bothered some, but not her. She was an entrepreneur, making her own way, exploiting her connections to both worlds whenever it suited her business purposes. And, in the course of that business, she’d dealt with enough shifters to be able to pick up subtle signs, signs exhibited by Lulu’s Armand. There was a certain look in his eye, the way he carried himself. It was hard to put a finger on, but she’d bet her back teeth the man was a shifter, a bear given his size.
Abandoning trying to find something to watch on TV, she carried the bowl of popcorn to her bedroom. Being between boyfriends especially sucked on weekends. Maybe she would have an early night, read some of her new book and then go to bed. Or perhaps she’d head over to Club Mystique. There was always something happening there. She could gather some interesting information to share. For the right price, of course.
No sooner had the idea occurred to her than she began changing her clothes for something more appropriate for going to a club. Decisiveness was one of her strongest qualities. Waffling over a decision drove her insane; she’d rather deal with the consequences after the fact.