Wicked Good Witches Three Book Box Set (Demon Street Blues, Alpha Knows Best, Bye Bye Bloodsucker) (31 page)

Why did I do that?

William…

Shit.

I can’t have William.

So that means you just pretend he doesn’t exist?

Not fair!
Her thoughts battled.

And pretending you don’t have feelings for William is fair to the guy you just promised to be honest with? Who just admitted he needed honesty. Who opened himself up enough to tell you what he needed.

What’s the point of telling Riley about a vampire I can’t have?

Okay, so what about being a witch?

I can’t tell him that yet either.

I think he can handle it. I really do.

But what if he can’t?

Why did you promise to be honest? You’re an idiot! A heartless frigging idiot. 

Shit… why did I promise him?

Because it’s what he wanted to hear.

That’s the first honest thing you’ve said…

Stupid brain. Just shut up!

Hello! This isn’t your brain talking, it’s your conscious!

No, it’s all hormones.

If Riley could hear this argument, he’d run away and never come back again! 

Why don’t you just try to be honest with him? Open up a little… it might turn out okay. It might turn out great… you’re going to have to be honest and open up at some point.

Instead, she
grabbed hold of Riley’s lips with her own, before he could sense or question the silent struggle raging in her brain. Jolts awakened every nerve, crawling along her skin leaving behind a trail of yearning and urgency.

He pulled away, out of breath. His
voice seductive. “Can I touch you again, Melinda? It’s much too fun for me…”

“Me too,” she told him.
See. I can be honest…

Only because it’s an easy thing to say yes to. There’s no lingering consequence other than instant gratification. And so what? You like being felt up! That’s a real big honest reveal… dumbass!

Riley’s hand dove underneath her dress. 

Melinda shuddered underneath him. The silent battle dissolving into a buzz surging through her.

No wait, it wasn’t her.

A cross look whipped across her face. Her phone was buzzing, vibrating against the ground nearby. Her heart sank. Somehow, the way this buzz zinged into her brain, her day was about to be ruined.

She tried to ignore the phone, but it refused to stop buzzing.

Riley stole his hand away from her hot and ready center, reached into her sweater pocket and grabbed the phone for her, holding it up to her ear, all without losing contact with her brooding eyes.

“Hello,” she grumbled into the speaker.

“Melinda. Where are you? It’s Michael. Do you know where Charlie is? I can't seem to reach him.” His panicked voice forced Melinda out of her love stupor. She sighed, pushing Riley up. He helped her sit up and then to her feet.

“Sorry,” she whispered to him. “My brother... just give me a minute.” She collected her head and walked out of the cavern.

Riley rolled over onto his back, closing his eyes.

“Michael, what's wrong? And no, I have no idea where Charlie is. He was at home when I left a few hours ago.”

“He's not answering his phone. But, well, there's a bit of a problem.”

“What do you mean? I thought you were having lunch with Mr. Jordan.”

“Yes. We did meet up with him, but then something
happened
.”

Melinda heard what she thought was Emily's voice in the background.

“Spit it out already, Michael. I don’t have a lot of time.”

Michael groaned and explained. “Emily sort of got turned into a mermaid and if I can't turn her back before sunset, she'll be a mermaid forever.”

“Um. What?” Melinda blurted back, unsure she had heard Michael correctly.

Riley noted her change of tone and sat up. Melinda sucked her lip anxiously, hoping she could manage this conversation without having to explain anything bizarre that might send Riley running away from her. 

See. If you’d just told him what you are, wouldn’t this be easier?

Oh shut the fuck up!
She let out a frustrated groan.

“You okay, Sis?” Michael waited for her reply.

“Yes. Sorry. How the heck did Emily… did this happen?” It was hard to talk freely with Riley so close by.

“I'll explain later. I’m going to need your help though because remember those bloodsuckers we told you about. Well, they're attacking mermaids now, which means they must be getting desperate to find food.”

“That means they'll be attacking people next,” Melinda mumbled.

Damn it. How will I explain this to Riley?

No time for that! I’ll just have to ditch him.

“You tell Mack yet, Michael?”

“She's on it. Gonna try to clear the beaches. Don't ask me how, no idea! Listen, I just got off the line with William. He's going to try to help Mack. If you could help them too, I can focus on Emily.”

“Yeah. Okay. Where's William?” Melinda stepped away from the cavern. Riley didn’t follow, giving her the space she obviously needed. 

“Mack’s house.”

“Okay. Keep me posted, Michael. And if you need any help over your way, just holler, okay? I'll be there as fast as I can. I'll even make William super-speed me there if I have to,” she stated in a hushed whisper.

“Thanks Melinda. I think we'll be okay. I've got Mr. Jordan helping me here. Just stay safe and try to keep anyone else from getting hurt.” He paused before hanging up. “Be careful, okay Sis?”

“Of course. You too.”

He still didn’t hang up.

“What is it, Michael?”

He let out a disbelieving sigh.

“You’re not going to lose Emily,” she insisted as loudly as she dare. 

“Are you sure you’re not empathic?”

“No, definitely not. I just know you.”

“Emily’s everything to me, and I’ve lost her almost three times
this
week. It’s like since I decided to stay on the Isle she’s suddenly a target for everything evil, or that can go wrong.”

Melinda let out a burst of air, glancing at Riley. Is this what would happen to him as well? He would suddenly become an easy target because of who and what she was?

I really need to be honest with him.

Now is not the time, and you don’t have the time!

You’re very good at coming up with excuses Melinda Howard.

See, there’s that honesty peeking out again…
her thoughts berated.

“Just, get on it, Michael,” she ordered sharply, trying to keep her words to him vague. “Can’t solve anything over the phone.”

“You’re right. I'll be in touch. Bye.”

He hung up. She turned back to Riley. Just like at the quarry she was going to need to scurry away. What excuse did she use this time?

You wouldn’t need an excuse if you’d just tell him you’re a witch.

It’s not an easy, or quick, conversation! And I don’t know him well enough yet to tell if he’ll be okay with it.

Oh, but you know him well enough to sleep with him? And let his fingers explore your insides!

Oh. My. God. Shut. Up.

She looked to see Riley on his feet and staring at her.
There it is. That look. He’s realizing what a freak I am. What kind of mistake he’s making…

“Everything is
not
okay, is it?” he said, without asking her first if everything was okay.

“Still with the perception,” she muttered, letting out a cleansing exhale.

“Nothing much to perceive really. You're clearly distraught now.”

“I am… it’s just…” What did she tell him?

“What can I do, Melinda?” His eyes pinched together, concern leaking out of his molasses gaze.

Tell me you don’t think I’m a freak…
Aloud, she told him, “I need to go. I’m sorry. It’s a family slash work thing. I could use a ride back into town.” 

“Of course. Just tell me where.”

“Don't suppose you happen to know where the local sheriff lives?” she asked, wrinkling her nose as she spoke.

“I can't say that I do. Are you related to the sheriff?” He stepped into the cavern and shook sand off the blanket, shoving it back inside the picnic basket.

“Oh. No. Not related. But she's an old family friend. I sort of work for her... now and then.”

“So you don't work at that bookstore I dropped you off at before?”

There’s those pesky questions she didn’t want to clarify the answers to. “Just that day.” Before he could question her further, she explained, “I’m more of a freelance kind of gal. Work here. Work there. Wherever my talents are needed.”

She could practically see his brain spinning with questions. She grabbed the picnic basket and threw it onto the bike.

Way to be vague Melinda.

You’re ruining this relationship before it’s even started.

Maybe it really is you? Maybe jerkwad wasn’t really a jerk? Maybe those other guys you dated just gave up on you?

I just need more time. And jerkwad was a total asshat! The other guys… yeah, I might have pushed them away.

Guys won’t wait around forever. You have to open up. And I’m not talking about your legs, damn it!

Riley strapped the basket down to the motorcycle. 

“Sorry I have to interrupt our day again.” She sighed in annoyed vexation.  

He leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose, followed by her pouty lips.

He pulled away with a smirk. “You really don’t want to leave, do you?”

“No. But I do have to.” Melinda avoided his eyes. She didn’t want him to catch the inner struggle playing itself out in her mind.

“Well, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little
unsatisfied
with leaving so soon. But there’s plenty more days, and nights, for me to spend touching you.”

She let out a little gasp. First, that he was still talking like he wanted to keep seeing her, and second...

Second? Second what? All thought and reason flew away. All she could picture was his fingers burying themselves inside her again.

Riley nibbled on her ear. “I was planning a much different ending to our day…”

“You are such a tease.” Her eyes flew open. She couldn’t believe she’d just said that.

“Me? If you could see
you
right now... you’re lucky I don’t drag you back inside the cavern and...” She put her hand over his mouth, a dazzling smile breaking underneath her fingers. He nipped playfully.

Melinda she shook her head. “Are you trying to kill me?”

“I just don’t want you to stop thinking about me.”  

“That’s an impossibility.”

“Then my job is done...
for now.
”

Melinda refused to reply, afraid her only response would be to drag him back into the cavern and forget completely about her duties. She refused to listen to the argument ensuing in her brain, shutting it down, instead, letting out a huff as she straddled the motorcycle. She tucked her short summer dress under her butt so it wouldn’t blow up in the wind.

Riley got on and reached back, letting his hand run down her outer thigh. Pleased by her frustrated moan, he let go, let out a low chuckle and kicked the engine to life, taking them back towards town.

Melinda toyed with reaching around him and sliding her hands precariously low, but changed her mind when she realized she’d prefer to reach her destination alive and in once piece. 

She shouted directions over his shoulder, having him pull to a stop a few houses from the sheriff's, preferring to keep him secret from Mack and William. She figured she needed to tell William she was seeing someone before just showing up with him at her side. Especially after their intimate moment, and awkward conversation earlier that day. How she would tell him?
Ugh. Let’s not think about that yet.

Riley got off the bike, grabbing her waist, helping her off and onto the sidewalk. “So can I see you tonight?” His hands slid around her backside, pulling her in.  

“Um, let me think about it. Okay. Yes.”

He grinned. “And you promise not to stop thinking about me?” He didn’t let her answer, leaning in and occupying her mouth.

When he pulled away, she grumbled her reply.

Riley grinned. “That’s the answer I was looking for.”

Melinda had no idea how she was going to concentrate on her job. She wanted his hands running all over her body, and hers all over his. A replay of everything they’d already done with the addition of a few new things.

A shudder pulsed through her body as Riley straddled the motorcycle.

It was going to be a painfully long and achy afternoon. She wished she’d had time to go home and change. Her panties were soaked. This short dress was totally the wrong outfit to work in. But when she breathed in, it was almost like having Riley close. His smell was all over the dress. All over her. He smelled like he looked. Molasses. A hint of brown sugar. And she wanted to bathe in all his gooey stickiness.