Bewitching You

chapter Twenty-Two



Sofia tried not to wobble in her heels or worry about the sweat beading on her forehead as people walked by her paintings. They mused, whispered, and moved on to the next. Some smiled, some ignored her.

Some asked for directions to the bathroom.

She was happy to see familiar faces when Nana, her mother, and Herbert strolled up, looking all spiffy and proud.

Herbert held her mom’s hand. They’d been on a few dates in the past month. Her mom had told him every secret and every aspect of their family’s gifts in excruciating detail. Sofia had wondered if her mother had wanted to scare Herbert off. In any case, he was still around. A few more grey hairs, but still sticking it out.

“It’s because he loves her,” Nana whispered into Sofia’s ear.

Damn the mind reading.

“And your paintings are wonderful, dear,” Nana said for everyone to hear.

“They really are,” her mother agreed.

Herbert nodded. “Outstanding.”

“Thank you.” Sofia’s cheeks flamed. She’d picked out a few of her best to display, but only one of Gray. It was the painting he’d liked the most, where their bodies were entangled.

Even after two months, it still hurt to think of him. Where was he? What was he doing? Did he ever think of her?

A week ago, she’d gathered the nerve to go to his condo and knock on his door. She’d wanted to invite him to the gallery opening. Just as a friend, if nothing else. A teenage boy had answered the door instead. He’d told her he and his mother had moved in several days prior. He wasn’t sure where the old owner had relocated.

Sofia had been devastated. Shoot, she still was. How could he have moved without telling her? He must’ve really wanted to rid himself of her. Forget she ever existed.

Her mother and Herbert ambled on to view some of the other artwork the local artists had created and displayed along the walls and tables.

But Nana stayed. Her eyes were plastered to that painting. “Where do you suppose that dream took place?”

“Nowhere.” Sofia didn’t want to get into it. That part of her life was over.

“Red sheets. A gold comforter. Deep blue walls in the background. Have you ever seen this bedroom before? Was it his?”

“No, Nana.” Sofia tried not to sound too irritated. “I don’t want to talk about it, if you don’t mind.”

“Well, why not?” Nana chuckled. “It’s your future.”

“It’s not, though. I haven’t dreamed of him since the spell faded.”

“Oh. Do you think maybe the future was altered in some way?”

Sofia stopped an eye-roll midway. They’d been over this too many times to count. Was her grandmother growing senile? “Yes, Nana. I can only assume it’s been altered, and that we weren’t supposed to meet until later.”

“And the love spell screwed it all up?”

Sofia shrugged, not wanting to hurt her Nana’s feelings. But, yes, the love spell had done its damage. Gray was gone, out of her life forever.

“We can do a spell to erase your love for him, Sofia. If that would help you.”

“No, thank you.” She was done with spells that played with emotions. She’d been practicing hard, learning the ones that would help her with her visions. Saving people’s lives was how she planned to use them. Any other approach would only get her into trouble, she’d learned the hard way.

“I hate to see you upset.”

“I’m fine, Nana. Why don’t you catch up with Mom and Herbert? I heard there’s some sculptures of naked men just around the corner.”

“Hmm… I’ll see where the punch is instead. Would you like some? I’ll add a little vodka from my flask, if you want?”

Sofia shook her head.

“All right then, dear.” Nana leaned forward and whispered, “Good-looking gentleman right behind you. I think he likes the paintings.” She winked and left.

Anxious at the thought it might be Gray, Sofia turned too quickly on her heels and fell into the man.

The tall, thin gentleman—who definitely was not Gray—grabbed her elbow and steadied her. “You okay?”

“Yes.” Her cheeks warmed. “I’m so sorry. I’m not used to these shoes.”

“It’s all right.” He smiled and turned to her paintings again. “Are these yours?”

“Uh huh.” Sofia took in the way his deep green eyes found the different details of the paintings. Like Nana said, he was good-looking. But he was no Gray, and it appeared he was more interested in the stuff on the walls than the stuff under her dress, anyway.

Which was fine with her. She couldn’t imagine giving herself to anyone else. Not anytime in the near or far future. She was Gray’s. Plain and simple, whether she ever saw him again or not.

“You have quite a talent,” the man said.

“Thank you.”

“Have you gone to art school?”

“For a year in New York. I had to drop out. Family issues.”

“I see.” He finally met her eyes. “Do you ever think of going back?”

“I’d love to.” Sofia smiled at the thought. “But I don’t think I can afford it.”

“Yes, it is expensive, isn’t it?” He held out his hand for her to shake. “I’m Steven Burns. I’m an admissions counselor for San Francisco Bay Art School.”

Sofia shook his hand. “I’m Sofia Good. Nice to meet you. You’re a long way from home.”

“I’m visiting my mother,” he whispered. “She’s getting remarried again. Fifth time.”

“Ah. Sorry about that.”

“No, it’s fine. Whatever keeps her happy. But I heard about this gallery opening and thought I’d check it out. I’m glad I came.” He pulled out a card and handed it to her. “We have financial aid I’m sure you could qualify for, if you’re interested. We’re also giving away a few scholarships this year. You might be a candidate for one of them. Why don’t you visit us and see what we’re about? We need more people like you, Sofia. People with natural talent and obvious passion.” He pointed at that painting. “There are graduates who don’t have your eye for detail. Give us a try, okay?”

Sofia realized her mouth had dropped open, so she shut it and gulped. “Okay. I’ll do my best. Thank you.”

“See you out there then, Sofia. I’ll be looking for you.”

~ * ~

Gray sat in the coffee house that housed the first floor of his San Francisco loft. He hauled out his laptop and started his workday. Designing websites. Why he’d never thought of it before he didn’t know. People paid him to play around on his computer all day, and he had no one to answer to but his customers. It was perfect. And he was good at it. Business was flourishing.

“What’s up, Gray?” his new buddy, Nick, asked as he walked in the door and pulled up a seat at the table next to him. Nick had given him the idea of starting his own business. The surfer/genius spent half his day on the computer and the other half on a surfboard in the ocean.

Gray hoped to one day spend half his day on a sailboat. As soon as he found the right one.

“Not much, Nick. Just got two new accounts I’m going to start working on.”

“Awesome.” He sipped on his iced coffee and gave Gray a look. “I didn’t see you at the party last night. Kari was very upset she didn’t get to meet you.”

“I was busy.” Gray logged onto the Internet and started reading through his emails, hoping to pass right over this conversation.

“Dude,” Nick leaned over and said in a low voice, “you know you can tell me if you’re gay. I’m totally cool with that.”

“I’m not gay,” Gray said for the umpteenth time since he’d met Nick. “I like women, trust me. I’m just waiting for the right one.”

“You’re not going to find her if you’re not looking.”

“I look every day. Every damn day.”

“And? What the hell are you looking for?”

“I’ll know her when I see her.”

“Huh. You’re a weird dude. You know that?” Nick swatted at Gray’s arm. “Hey, check out this one. She’s kind of cute. A little bit of a mess, but cute.”

That description sounded familiar. Gray closed his e-mail and looked up.

And saw Sofia.

She was at the counter, ordering. Her hair was down, pushed back behind her ears. She wore a pair of wrinkled khaki shorts, a blue top, partially tucked in, and brown sandals that had seen better days. She was more beautiful than he’d even remembered.

“Holy hell.”

“What?”

“That’s her.” He grinned, shaking his head.

“Yeah? She the one?” Nick chuckled. “Go get her, dude.”

~ * ~

Sofia was running late for her first day of classes, but the coffee shop had practically screamed her name as she passed by the green and white sign. A cold vanilla blended coffee would hit the spot. And— she checked her watch—she did have ten minutes.

“Order’s up,” the barista called out, and set it on the counter.

“Thanks.” Sofia grabbed the cup and turned to head out the door. But ran into a broad, hard chest instead. The lid of her drink popped off and spilled onto the man’s white shirt. “Shoot. I’m sorry. I didn’t see you—”

“Sofia, it’s me.”

Gray. Startled by his voice, she dropped the entire cup on the floor. Liquid bounced back and splashed onto his jeans. Slowly, she forced her gaze up to his face. His gorgeous face.

He was smiling at her so large she thought he might start laughing. His hair was a little bit longer, and his face was unshaven, a few days growth at least. He looked happy.

“Hi,” she squeaked out. Oh, geez. Here she was seeing him for the first time thousands of miles away from home and she’d gone and spilled a cold drink on him. Nice going, Sofe.

“Hi.” He picked up the cup and threw it in the trash beside him.

“I’m sorry.” She grabbed a napkin and patted at his t-shirt that fit nicely against his chest. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here. I guess I freaked out. I didn’t mean to—”

“It’s okay. They’re just clothes.”

She continued to pat, partly to get off the whipped cream, mostly to feel him in the flesh. To just feel him. It had been so long.

“Sofia,” he said, and took the napkin from her. “It’s not a big deal, trust me.” He nodded to the brunette barista who was staring up at him. “Can she get another one of these? I’ll pay for it.”

“Gray, you don’t have—”

“So, what are you doing all the way out here?”

Her mind went blank. Why was she here again? Oh yeah. “I’m a student at the art school. It’s right across the street.” She pointed absently out the coffee shop window.

“That’s great, Sofia,” he said, but his smile dimmed. “I’m curious. What made you decide to go to this one?” He stood close enough she could smell him. His natural, mesmerizing scent with a splash of whipped topping and caramel.

“Oh, fate, maybe. One of their people saw my paintings in a gallery opening. And…um, what are you doing here?”

Please say you flew out here to find me and sweep me off my feet.

“I live in this building. Do you remember when I told you I owned a place out here?”

“That’s right. I do remember. I, uh, went to your condo back home to invite you to the gallery opening, but you’d already moved.”

“I’m sorry, Sofia.” He skimmed a couple of fingers up her arm.

Her entire body warmed. Did he realize the effect he still had on her?

“I should’ve called to tell you. But after—” He shook his head. “Listen. None of that matters. Can you come upstairs with me so I can change, and we can continue talking?”

“Yes,” she mumbled.

“Yes?”

“I mean, no. I can’t right now. I’m running late for my first day.” Sofia wondered if she were visibly shaking or if it was all in her head. Her mind was racing with questions. What did he want from her? Was it pity or amusement in his eyes?

“What about later? I’ll make you dinner. I’ve been practicing.”

“You have?”

He nodded and handed her the new drink from off the counter. “Will you come over? It’s the fifth floor. Number 501. Around seven? Will that work?”

“I think so.” I think so? Come on, Sofe. Get it together. “Er. That’ll be fine. Number 501 at seven o’clock?”

“Yeah.” He brushed a kiss across her cheek. “Good luck on your first day. I’ll see you later.”

Her feet started moving before her mind did, and she was out the door before she let out a breath. Shoot. She hadn’t even said goodbye. But she couldn’t go back. She was late and she’d look like a dork rushing back in there. She’d just have to wait.

She headed across the busy street as a thought dawned on her, settling in her belly like a cement brick. Did he want her to come to dinner so he could be with her, or officially break it off?

What other reason could he have for disappearing and not calling?

Just get through the day, Sofe.

~ * ~

The day couldn’t have gone better, Sofia thought as she pushed the number five button on the elevator wall. She’d made new friends. The classes were interesting and thought provoking. Steven Burns had offered her a job in the admissions office, so she didn’t have to take that barmaid position.

It was everything she could’ve hoped for and more. Her life was finally on the right path. But as she walked through the elevator doors and ascended floor after floor after floor, the nerves in her body launched an all-out attack on her stomach, making her wonder if she just might die. Or throw up.

Ding. The doors opened, and right in front of her was the number 501 tacked onto a black paneled door. His door. He was right behind it, probably making her dinner.

Because he’d practiced.

Why? Did he want to be even more perfect before he dumped her? Before he told her, “It was fun while it lasted but…” Before her heart leaped up into her head and made an escape route out through her ears, because what heart would want to spend any more time in her pathetic, loveless, sexless body?

Get a grip, Sofe. Maybe he got sick of eating burned eggs.

She stepped out into the hardwood hallway. A black and white checkered rug ran from one end to the other. All she needed was some red and black checkers and she’d have a very good reason not to ring that doorbell.

Her finger thought otherwise. It pushed the little gold button, sending a buzzing noise into the other side. She heard a man’s laugh and then the doorknob turned. A man, a stranger, held a beer bottle as he stood at the threshold.

Maybe this was her lucky day?

Sofia checked the apartment number again. “I’m sorry. I guess I have the wrong—”

“Are you Sofia?”

“Yes,” she said, her voice making it sound more like a question than an answer.

“Don’t worry. This is Gray’s place. I was just making sure he doesn’t burn down the building, especially since I live one floor below him.”

“Oh. Okay.” Darn.

“Come in, Sofia,” Gray called. “I’m in the kitchen.”

The man gestured for her to enter, and she slipped by him. The layout of the loft looked like a mini version of his condo, except for the stairs that led up to a second story.

Gray stood at the island, opening a bottle of wine. He was clean-shaven but his hair still sat shaggy against his ears and forehead. Sofia liked the new carefree look, maybe a little too much.

Her gaze wandered down to the blue, thin knit sweater that emphasized his every muscle. Behind him, steam rose from a pot. A lemony aroma filled the air.

He set the corkscrew down and walked around to greet her, planting a kiss on her cheek.

High cheek, far away from the lips.

“I’m glad you came,” he said. “This is my friend, Nick. He was just leaving.”

Nick held out a hand for her to shake. “Yep, I’m leaving. Actually, Gray wanted me to leave an hour ago, but I wanted to meet the famous Sofia.”

Sofia shook his hand lightly, afraid her palm was clammy. She couldn’t recall when she’d ever been this nervous. Was there a spell that got rid of the urge to vomit?

No. No more spells for personal use. Look at the mess it had gotten her into already.

“Famous?” she asked, the word finally registering.

“Yeah.” Nick winked. “Gray was telling me about your adventures together.”

Gray patted his friend’s back, giving him a slight shove. “See you tomorrow, Nick.”

“Okay. Okay. I’ll take the not-so-subtle hint. You two have fun catching up.”

Nick left, leaving Sofia alone with Gray.

“I didn’t tell him the private details.” He cleared his throat. “Why don’t you sit while I check on our dinner?”

~ * ~

Gray poured her a glass of wine as she settled onto one of the barstools. She was damn sexy in her little flowered dress that curved at all the right places. When he’d kissed her cheek, he’d inhaled her scent, remembering the vanilla. Remembering everything. How could he forget?

He turned to dump the pasta into the colander.

Please, God, do not let me screw up the dinner. Any part of it.

He poured the sauce in with the chicken, but her stare bore into him, penetrated through to his marrow. She was being too quiet, but what did he expect? He’d moved across the country without telling her. She probably thought he was an a*shole. Again.

Hopefully, she’d believe his reasoning.

“So,” he began, without looking back, “how was your first day of school?”

“Good. It went well.” Her voice was unsteady.

He glanced her way and noticed her hands trembled against the wine glass. “I’m glad. This is all quite a coincidence, don’t you think? You and I meeting here?”

She nodded.

Gray took in a breath and got back to work, pouring the chicken, sauce, and pasta all into one bowl. The recipe said he should pair it with asparagus, but he hated asparagus. Broccoli would have to do. He scooped everything onto two separate plates. Nice plates he’d bought for this occasion.

“Do you like broccoli?” He turned to ask, and saw that her wine glass was empty.

“Yes. Everything smells great.” A forced grin spread across her glossed lips.

He poured her another glass. She was as nervous as he was, maybe even more with the way her face was flushed.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

She nodded again, pursing her mouth. What she must think of him. He could only imagine.

“I, uh…” Tell her you love her. Tell her you never once stopped loving her.

Not yet. The timing wasn’t right. She needed to see the bedroom first.

“I’ll take your plate to the table if you want to carry your wine.”

She agreed, and he followed her, setting a plate down in front of her and placing one at his place. He’d already set the table, so he poured himself a glass of wine and sat.

Everything was in place. Nothing had burned, and he hadn’t said anything too idiotic. Yet.

“Where are you staying?” Nice, safe topic.

She looked up from forking a noodle around. “I’m staying in a hotel room right now. I have a scholarship, but it doesn’t pay for housing, so I’m looking for a roommate who doesn’t charge too much.”

Gray had an extra room. But he didn’t want her sleeping in there. He wanted her sleeping with him. Just as they’d planned before any of this love spell crap happened.

“You can stay with me,” he offered.

“Here? But—”

Mozart starting ringing from her purse sitting at her feet.

“Sorry. It’s probably my mom.”

“Sure, no problem.”

She pulled out a glittery pink phone and answered. “Hello?”

The volume on her phone must have been turned to the max or her mother had an extremely loud voice, because he could hear every word. Gray figured it was the latter.

“Hi, Mom.” She held the phone away from her ear some. “I’m safe and everything is going well. Can I call you back?”

“You can spare a moment, can’t you? Your Nana’s here. We called to see how you did on your first day of school.”

“It was… Hold on.” She fiddled around with some buttons, but gave up. “It was good. It went really well.”

“Nana wants to know if—wait. I’ll put her on the phone. She’s driving me crazy with all these questions.”

“Sofia?” Her grandmother was even louder. Did they ever use the telephone?

“Hi, Nana.”

“Sofia, did that Steven guy ask you out on a date yet?”

“What?” Sofia’s cheeks flared red, and Gray’s heart stopped beating. “No, Nana. That’s not going to happen.”

Thank God. The last thing Gray needed was competition.

“Nana, can I call you guys back later? I’m kind of busy right now.”

“Well, what’s so important? Are you on the toilet? Having sex? What?”

“No, I’m having dinner with Gray. I ran into him this morning. He lives out here.”

Silence.

“Nana?”

“Yes, dear. Call me back as soon as possible. I want to hear all about this.”

“Sorry,” Sofia said as she closed the phone. “I guess distance doesn’t stop me from having a nosy family.”

Mozart blared again. She checked the caller ID and simply powered it off.

“No problem. Who’s Steven?” He couldn’t help but ask.

“You heard all that, didn’t you? Dang it. Steven is the man who discovered my paintings and then helped me get into the school for next to nothing.”

“Sounds like a great guy.” Jealousy started in again.

“He is, but he’s not interested in me the way Nana thinks he is. I don’t have the heart to tell her he has a boyfriend.”

“He has a boyfriend?”

“Yes. I’ve had dinner at their house. They’re both very nice. And they have the most amazing art collection.” Her eyes softened, and she seemed to relax for the first time.

Gray smiled, hoping he’d get one back.

He did, but lost it when her gaze dropped down to her plate again.

She forked at a piece of broccoli. “Gray?”

“Yeah?” His pulse quickened as he waited for her next words.

“I’m sorry for everything that happened. My mom’s reading. The love spell. I want you to know I wasn’t behind any of it. And my mom has agreed to start being more honest with her clients. She was very upset by what had happened to Hayes. And Nana, well, she hasn’t agreed to anything, but she—”

Gray put up his hand to stop her, surprised she was apologizing to him. “It’s all in the past, Sofia. I’d rather look to the future.”

“Okay,” she said, and pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear.

“I’ve missed you.” He couldn’t hold back any longer.

Her eyes widened. “You have?”

“God, yes.”

She still looked surprised. Maybe too surprised. Another rush of panic rounded over him. Had he waited too long?

“I…” he began again, feeling desperate to make her understand just how much he had missed her. “I always think about you.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. I think of everything. The sweetness of your smile. The genuineness of your laugh. The soft sound of your voice. Your kindness. Your smell. The warmth of your body when you’re lying up against me. Touching you. Being inside you. Everything.”

The words spilled from his mouth, releasing and exploding into the air between them like a heartrending bomb. They must have hit her the wrong way because she didn’t look too thrilled. Confused was a better word.

“I have to use the restroom,” she said, and rose from the table.

“The restroom?”

“Yes. Where is it?”

He set his napkin on top of his untouched food and stood. For the first time since they’d separated, he let himself question if maybe Nana’s love spell hadn’t been so ridiculous.

What if, just what if, Sofia’s love for him had faded?

He hadn’t wanted to believe any of her grandmother’s nonsense, and he’d purposely and patiently waited for destiny to catch up—for Sofia to make her way to San Francisco. He knew she’d eventually come. It was their fate. The dreams had made that clear.

And once she saw the bedroom, she’d forget about the spell, and she’d realize his love was real.

The only question was did she still love him?

He had to find out.

But first he’d tell her where the bathroom was. “It’s right over there.” He pointed to the door next to the kitchen.

She headed that way, almost passing him, but stopped abruptly and stared up at him. “I don’t really have to go,” she said.

“I didn’t think you did.”

“I was going to go in there, splash cold water on my face and try to come up with a reasonable explanation as to why you left me. I probably would have blamed it on the spell or my mother. I might’ve thought you needed some time to cool off. Most likely, I would’ve started to doubt myself and my gift. I would’ve wondered if you left because you couldn’t accept me and all the crazy stuff that comes with me. Or maybe you found another woman, had an affair—”

“Why don’t you ask me?”

She planted her feet stubbornly in front of him and met his eyes. “Why did you leave me, Gray? I loved you and I needed you and you weren’t there for me. I thought I’d never see you again. I thought you hated me. And I just…” She shook her head. “I don’t know if I can be here with—”

“Wait. Just wait.” Damn, he was going to lose her.

Don’t ask. Just do it.

Confused as to what else to do, Gray grabbed her by the waist and lifted her over his shoulder. “I’m taking you to the bedroom.”

“What?” She kicked and swatted at him. “No, you aren’t, Grayson Phillips. I need an explanation.”

He took the stairs as fast as he could, making sure he didn’t bump her head into the railing. One hand gripped firmly on her thigh, the other around her waist. Lord, did he miss touching her, even if she loathed every minute of it.

“I’m not having sex with you, Gray. You can’t walk back into my life and expect me to simply spread my legs for you. I’m not that type of woman, and if you think I am, then you don’t know me at all.”

“Oh, I know you better than you realize.” He used his foot to push open the partition door, stepped inside and dropped her on the bed.

She glared up at him. “Who do you think you are?”

“I’m the man from your dreams.” He knelt down on the bed and drew her to him. “Look around, Sofia. Look around at this bedroom.”

“What are you talking about?” she asked, but did as he said.

Her mouth gaped open as she took in every detail. The deep blue walls around her, the red sheets, and gold comforter beneath her, the large wooden posts that stood prominently at each corner of the bed.

“This is it,” she whispered. “From my dreams.”

“And my dreams too. This is why I didn’t come back. This is why I couldn’t sell this place. Hayes decorated this room. When I saw it, I knew it was in our destiny. I knew you would come to me eventually, but I didn’t want it to be unnatural. I didn’t want to screw with our destiny. And I thought you’d need time to realize your feelings for me didn’t have anything to do with a spell.” He gathered her closer, reveling in the way her soft breasts pressed against his chest. “I’m so glad you finally showed up, sugar. I was going nuts without you.”

Her body slackened in his arms, and her eyes brimmed with tears. “You weren’t trying to get rid of me?”

“No, Sofia. Never. I love you. I’ll always love you.”

She took in a tiny gasp of air, the sound sweet to his ears. “I love you, too, Gray.”

“Good.” Gray breathed out a sigh of relief, then brought his hands up to cradle the face of the woman who’d changed his life forever. “Now, why don’t we make our dreams come true?”

~ * ~

Sofia grabbed Gray by his shirt and hauled him down onto the bed with her. He gave a hearty laugh, one that echoed throughout the loft and into her soul.

This was the place. This was their destiny.

As Gray lay on top of her, his hand slipped under the bottom of her dress, massaging her thigh on the way up.

A thought occurred to her. “But I haven’t dreamed of you since the last time we were together.”

“You didn’t need to.” He pulled her bottom lip in with his teeth, and slowly released it.

She inhaled the scent of his musky aftershave. Masculine and sexy. “I didn’t?”

“No.” He kissed softly, seductively. Her mouth, cheek, chin, licking at the space right below her ear. “The future was already well on its way. I found this place, and I waited for you. Simple as that.”

“But what if I hadn’t come?” Her hands searched over his broad shoulders and back. Hard and powerful.

“Oh, you’re gonna come,” he whispered into her ear. “I’ll see to that.” His fingers slid into the sides of her panties and peeled them down.

Sofia lifted her bottom to help. “That’s not what I meant, Gray.”

“I know.” He sat up, yanked off her sandals and panties in the same sweep, and tossed them to the floor. “Let’s get you undressed. I want to see you. It’s been too long.”

At his words, Sofia unzipped and tugged her dress over her head. Nothing had changed— she’d still give him whatever he wanted.

Nevertheless, she had questions. “What would you have done if we hadn’t reunited?”

His dark gaze slowly swept over her naked body. “I’d have flown to Indiana and kidnapped you,” he said. “Just last night I was considering buying a plane ticket to Indianapolis. More than once I’ve fantasized about getting in my car and driving until I found you, waking you in the middle of the night, tying you up and bringing you here. Just so I could see you again. Feel you. Taste you.”

“Really?” The idea sort of excited Sofia. She settled back against the pillow and rested her hands under her head.

“Really.” He yanked his shirt off and worked on his belt and jeans buttons.

Sofia licked her lips as she appreciated his well-built muscles, especially the one that was hardening and emerging while he pushed his jeans and underwear down and off. Thick, solid, tempting.

He skimmed his hand over the length and back down again. “Do you want me inside of you?” he asked, his voice husky, wanting.

Speechless, she nodded her head and spread her knees apart.

He grinned, slid two fingers over her, and into her heat. “Because I’ve been dying to be here.”

“Take me, Gray,” Sofia managed to say with a shallow breath. “Please.”

He maneuvered over her, bracing one hand by her head, the other hand guiding himself inside of her. Her body jolted from the instant pleasure. He filled her, stretched her, and found that spot.

She bit her lip. “Have you been practicing this as well?”

He chuckled. “Didn’t I say I knew you better than you think?”

“I suppose you did.”

He eased out and slid back in. Again and then again.

She grasped onto his biceps as an orgasm manifested. Her thighs trembled and her belly surged with heat. She thrived on the aftershocks until he released and filled her with his warmth.

They lay together for what felt like hours. Lazy and in love. Exploring each other’s bodies with languid fingers. Whispering adoration and contentment. Finally together.

Until another thought occurred to Sofia. “How do I know you’ll always love me? Never grow sick of me and my gift?”

A slow smile curved his full lips. “I thought you’d never ask.” He reached over her to his bedside nightstand and pulled out a small, velvety black box.

Sofia stopped breathing.

“Come here.” He tugged at her hand until she sat on the side of the bed. With the sheet wrapped around him, he knelt before her. “Sofia Good, I couldn’t be more certain of my love for you. I want you with or without your dreams. I’ll accept and love your family as my own. And I promise to help you through it all. Crazy or normal. Thrilling or average. It doesn’t matter to me. I want you to be my wife.” He opened the box and removed the diamond ring. “Please say yes.”

“Okay,” she said without delay, taking in the size of the rock. Okay? Come on, Sofe. Give him a better answer than that. “I mean, absolutely. I’d be honored and so, so lucky to be your wife.” She made a grab for the ring.

Gray kept it out of her reach. “Not lucky, Sofia.”

“No? What then?”

“Destined.”

“Hmm. I guess that’ll work too.”

“Can I have your hand now so I can put this ring on your finger? I’ve been waiting forever, you know.”

Sofia held out her hand. “It’s yours.”

“Just the way I like it.”

~ * ~

Once Sofia knew Gray was sleeping, she sneaked back down the stairs. She searched through her purse, pulled out her cell phone, and dialed her mother’s house.

Nana answered on the second ring. “What happened?”

“Oh, good. You’re still there. Were you sleeping?”

“No. What happened?”

“Nana, I have one question for you, and you better tell the truth.”

“Then you’re going to tell me what happened?”

“Yes.”

“Go for it.”

“Did you cast another spell on Gray and me?”

“Of course not.”

She sat down and released a relieved sigh. “Just checking.”

“Well?”

“He asked me to marry him.”

Nana shrieked into the phone. “I knew it! I knew he still loved you. You said yes?”

“I did.” Sofia looked down at her hands that were still shaking. The ring on her finger sparkled up at her. “It’s hard to believe it’s all real.”

“Well, there’s one way you can find out.”

“Really? This doesn’t have to do with a spell, does it?”

“Maybe.”

Sofia thought it over. “Okay. Tell me.”

Before she could get an answer, she felt Gray’s hand on her shoulder. He took the phone from her and put it to his ear. “Hi, Nana. I’m taking Sofia back to bed now. No spell needed for what I’m going to do with her.”

“Oh, my,” Sofia heard Nana say loud and clear.

“She’ll call you in the morning to tell you if it worked.” He shut the phone and dropped it in Sofia’s purse. Then he grabbed and gathered her to his naked body. “No more spells on me,” he said, not looking very happy.

“I wasn’t really going to—”

His powerful lips shut her up, kissing her with the passion only a man in love could generate. Then he pulled away.

She gulped.

He smiled. “If you ever want to know how real my love is for you, just ask. I’ll tell you.”

“Okay,” she squeaked out.

“And if you want to know how much I want you—” He walked away, up to the top of the stairs, his body hard everywhere. “Come back to bed,” he said, and disappeared through the bedroom door.

Holy cow. This scenario was much better than anything a spell could produce.

With wobbly legs, she hiked upstairs.

He was sprawled over the red sheets, uncovered and waiting. “Good choice.”

“I thought so too.”

~ * ~

The next morning, Sofia woke and smiled to herself. She’d dreamed once again.

There had been a wedding out in a field by a familiar lake. People were happy and laughing. Gray was handsome and seemed relaxed in his tuxedo. Panic rose in Sofia as she searched around for the bride.

But couldn’t find her until she glanced down at herself...in a wedding gown.


Dedication

To my husband, antics and all. Love you, honey.

To my sons, who inspire me to be the best I can be.