The presence, p.12
The Presence, page 12
He’d thought that nothing could top what they had done downstairs. He’d been wrong.
When he felt her tighten around him, he allowed himself to fall with her.
He waited until her breathing steadied, then lifted her gently and, after shutting off the water, carried her out of the shower.
Setting her down, he wrapped her in a large towel and then took one for himself.
“I didn’t think… it would happen again.”
“You heard a voice?” He filled with concern.
“No.” She smiled. “I mean… I didn’t think…” Her cheeks turned a light shade of pink.
“Oh.” He smiled. “Me too.” He kissed her. Then he took another towel and started drying her long hair.
“I brought a comb.” She motioned to a small bag on his countertop. He took the comb and started combing her hair as she leaned against the counter. “Wow,” she sighed, “I could get used to this.” She leaned her head back and closed her eyes.
“So could I.” He set the comb down and turned her towards him. “How about we crawl into bed? I’m beat.”
“I was hoping you’d have something chocolate…” She glanced at the bedroom door.
He sighed and pulled on some clean shorts. She put on a pair of yoga pants and a tank top.
“Let’s go down. I have some chocolate ice cream.” He remembered the carton he’d bought the other day. The day before she’d come running into his store.
They sat in the kitchen, eating the ice cream directly from the carton, and talked about their childhoods.
He hadn’t asked her basic questions, like where she’d grown up. If she had any siblings. Did she play sports?
She’d grown up in San Diego. Her mother still lived in the same house she’d grown up in. Her parents were divorced. She didn’t have any brothers or sisters but had three sibling dogs. She said her mother doted on them as much as she had her own daughter. She’d played soccer and had a red belt in taekwondo, which is why it had been easy for her to manipulate him downstairs.
“Impressive.” He thought about letting her show him what else she could do later that night as he lay in bed holding her in his arms.
His mind kept flashing to the moment in the shower. It was scary how real it had felt. If a god could do that, what else could they do?
It took him a while to finally fall asleep, and when he did, his dreams were filled with dark images. When he woke, his eyes were burning, and he had a slight headache. But rolling over and seeing Liz lying on the pillow next to him made all his discomforts disappear.
Her eyes were still closed, one of her hands tucked under her cheek. Her long blonde hair lay over her shoulders in the braid he’d watched her expertly create last night. He loved the look of her resting peacefully and figured he could easily enjoy waking up like this for the rest of his life.
Her eyes slipped open and a smile formed on her lips.
“Morning.” She stretched her arms over her head, and her tank top slid a little higher over her belly.
“Morning.” His hands covered the exposed skin. She was soft and warm and for a split second, he imagined spending the entire day in bed with her.
“What are the chances we could spend the day here?” she asked, reaching up and touching his face.
“Slim, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a few minutes of enjoyment.” He leaned in and kissed her.
Chapter 17
Six hours later, Liz’s back ached as she bent over a stack of boxes.
“You know, you actually have a pretty good stock still.” She glanced around at all the opened boxes and bottles they had unpacked.
Joe glanced around. “You’d be surprised how quickly all this will go.” He chuckled. “There really isn’t a lot to do in small towns except drink.” He cut the box up and tossed it in the stack with others. “But, yeah, I guess it looked worse than it was. I’ve got my orders in, which means in a day or two we’ll be back to full stock.”
“Will you open the doors then?” She glanced around the space and, other than a few items, everything looked back to normal. Actually, he’d taken the opportunity to move a few shelves around, which is why her back was hurting. She’d helped him move them, then mop the floor after everything was in its final place.
She had to admit that she’d enjoyed the day, even with all the physical strain. It felt nice to see the fruits of their labor. When she set the last bottle in place, they both stood back and admired their handiwork.
“This looks amazing.” She wrapped her arm around his waist.
“It looks a hundred times more organized. I can’t believe I didn’t do this after taking over.” He hugged her. “I guess there is a silver lining in all of this after all.”
Helping him all day had opened her mind to her own future prospects. She’d always worked for a clinic, never even thinking about opening up her own place. Until now.
“You said you own the place next door?” She’d seen it that morning when they had driven up. The building would be perfect for a vet clinic. Large glass windows in the front allowed her to see a small waiting area with rooms in the back. She was itching to see the rest of it so she could plan.
“Yes.” He nodded. “There was a pediatrician there last. They ended up building a new building near the medical facility last year.” He glanced down at her. “Want to take a look at it?”
She nodded. “If possible.”
“Thinking about opening up your own place?” He smiled. “I can put in a good word with the owner.”
She laughed. “For now, I’m just dreaming. There’s no way I have enough money left over to do anything.”
He bent and kissed her. “There’s always the bank.”
She sighed and thought about going into debt to start her own business in a town she knew nothing about. Far away from everything and everyone that she knew. No, it wouldn’t be a smart move, but at least she could dream.
“Come on.” He took her hand and tugged her towards the back door. He locked up after they left the store and then walked a few feet to the door to the right. Using his keys, he unlocked it and motioned for her to step in.
There was a small hallway that led to one office space, most likely used by the doctor. It would do for an office for her. Even though it was on the small side, she could see it working.
Across the hallway was a large storeroom with its own back door access. The room would be perfect for a kennel and cage room where all the animals could be kept when there.
“There’s a small fenced area off that door. You could probably put some grass in to allow dogs to go out and do their business,” he said, leaning on the door frame.
“That’s a good idea.”
They turned and followed the hallway to three small rooms, which could easily work for consultations.
The front opened to a small reception area and the waiting area she’d seen through the large glass windows.
“It really is perfect for a clinic,” she said, leaning on the counter and looking at the old cabinets and flooring. “It’s a little dated, but perfect.”
“It’s yours if you want it,” Joe surprised her by saying.
“What?” She turned to him and laughed. “As I said, I don’t have the money to start a business right now.”
“I can loan you what you need. It shouldn’t take much to get started.” He moved behind the counter and surprised her by pulling out a piece of paper and a pen. He sat down and started writing out a list of things the business would need as she looked over his shoulder.
When they were done, she had to admit, the list was thorough.
“You’ve done this before,” she joked as he handed her the complete list.
“My uncle made sure I knew everything there was to know about running a business.” He smiled and she could tell he was remembering the man fondly.
“He sounds like he was a good man.” She set the list down. She knew that even though he’d thought of everything, it would take at least ten thousand dollars to open the doors of the clinic. That was ten thousand more than what she had at the moment.
“He was.” He twisted in the chair and then took hold of her hips and pulled her closer to him. “He would have liked you.” He chuckled. “He would have flirted with you. And would have probably ended up winning you over. But he was a good man.”
She laughed. “You must have gotten your moves from him.”
“Some.” He leaned up and kissed her. “The rest I made up myself.” The kiss grew deeper and she felt herself melting against his hard body. “So, what do you think?” he asked.
“I think I like your moves, no matter where you learned them.” She ran her hands through his hair.
“Thanks, but I was talking about the place.” He nodded around them.
“Oh. It’s wonderful, but there’s no way I can afford—”
“As I said, I’d front you the cash,” he broke in causing her eyes to narrow.
“Why?”
“Because it beats having this place sit empty. Besides, if it keeps you in town…” He kissed her again. “Then it’s a win for me.”
“There’s no way I can take that much money from you. That list alone will be close to ten thousand dollars.”
“Consider it a loan. You can pay me each month out of your profits.” He shrugged. “We can work out the details if you want.”
“Details will be important if…” She didn’t want to say it, but she was practical. “If things go south.”
“Did you know I’m still friends with all of my exes?” he said with a smile. “I don’t break things off with animosity.”
She was slightly surprised at that news. “I’m not,” she said and shook her head, thinking of all the times she’d been left brokenhearted. “What if we don’t break on… soft ground?”
“Then we’ll still be business partners.” He shrugged. “A reason to draw up some papers, you know, to make everything legal.”
She narrowed her eyes and realized that no matter what happened, a business deal like that was smart. Depending on the kind of loan he was talking about.
“What loan percentage are you thinking?” she asked.
He chuckled. “None, but if you want, we can do half a percent.”
She balked. “None? Why would you do something like that?”
He shrugged. “Because, as I said, I want to keep you in town.” He pulled her closer and kissed her. “And in my bed.”
She laughed. “So, you’re willing to pay for me?”
He leaned back. “No, but if this means that you’ll stay, the money doesn’t matter. Besides, it’s a smart business plan. Having someone in the building instantly brings in more than the building has made for me in the past year.”
He was right. Seeing the empty building, she knew that it was just a drain on him. Having someone pay rent each month meant a steady income where there was none.
“We’ll draw up a contract?” she asked.
“Yes, there’s a lawyer in town.” He leaned up and kissed her. “So, the only thing left to figure out is…” He smiled. “What are you going to name it?”
She laughed and hugged him.
“We’d better get ready,” he said when he pulled back. “We’re supposed to be out at Xtina and Mike’s place soon.” He glanced down at his watch. “We have just enough time for a quick shower and change.”
They had talked to everyone earlier that morning and filled them in on Nyx. Since they had plans to be busy for the day, Xtina and Mike agreed to do as much research as possible on the goddess.
Even with rushing home and showering, they drove up and parked in front of the massive old southern plantation style home fifteen minutes late. Joe had at least texted Xtina that they would be behind, to which she’d replied.
-Take your time. I hope Liz said yes, for Rose’s sake.
“It’s kind of strange knowing that they know what’s going on before we do,” she said to him as he turned off the truck.
“You get used to it.” He shrugged.
“She lives here?” she asked, looking at the massive white columns and the huge front porch.
“Yes.” He frowned at the place. “It’s taken her a while to get over the abuse she lived through during her childhood here.”
“What happened?” She frowned towards the home.
“Let’s just say her parents didn’t appreciate Xtina’s gifts.” He opened the door and, since it was raining again, ran around to hold the umbrella for the both of them.
She carried in two bottles of wine and he had a case of beer tucked under his arm.
When they stepped onto the front porch, it was like being hit by a live electric wire. Her entire body shook with the jolt of electricity she felt pulsing through her.
“What the hell was that?” Joe said beside her.
“You felt that too?” she asked, just as the front door opened.
Xtina stood on the other side, smiling at her.
“Sorry, that was just… we’re all here.” She shrugged. “It’s kind of a thing. The more power that’s gathered, the more it builds up and then there’s a new spark and…” She shrugged. “Come on in.” She opened the door and they walked in.
The place was nice. Liz could see small changes to the home that Xtina and Mike had done to turn her parents’ older home into their own.
“What a wonderful place,” she said after following Xtina into the kitchen. Setting the wine down on the counter, she turned to glance around the kitchen.
“Thanks.” Xtina smiled. “Here, you open and pour. I’m taking the casserole out of the oven.”
Just then, Mike stepped in the back door, followed closely by a very pregnant border collie.
“This must be Rose,” she said, squatting down to pet the dog who rushed over to her side, seeking attention.
“Yes.” Xtina chuckled and pulled two large trays out of the oven, setting them on the counter. “She likes you already. She’s been so eager to meet you.”
Liz’s hands stilled on the dog’s soft fur. “Oh?” She blinked and looked down at the dog, who was looking up at her with worshiping brown eyes. “Okay, I have to admit that it’s a little strange that you can tell me what she’s feeling.”
“She’s nervous about giving birth to five puppies,” Xtina said, moving around the kitchen.
“Five? So, you’ve had an ultrasound already?”
“No.” Xtina chuckled. “But I’ve seen it. So has Jess.”
“Okay.” She stood up and moved over to wash her hands in the sink.
“Weirded out?” Xtina asked as Liz moved over to open the wine.
“Just a smidge.” She smiled. “But, then again, considering everything that’s happened to me over the last week, I’d rather be talking to dogs than being chased by gods through the woods.”
“Right,” Xtina agreed with a chuckle. “So, have you said yes to the clinic?” Xtina turned and leaned against the counter as she ran her green eyes over her.
“I… it’s really strange that you knew about him offering up the place.” Her eyes narrowed. “Did he tell you first?”
“No.” Xtina smirked. “Jess told me.”
Liz glanced off towards the main living area where everyone was gathered. She thought about all the people in there and how each of them had bought into the paranormal like it was nothing out of the ordinary. Still, they were all happy and had a great friendship, which was something she’d been lacking in her life.
“I haven’t decided one hundred percent yet.” She turned back to Xtina. “But if Jess has already seen it…”
Xtina moved closer. “If we’ve all learned something over the past few weeks, it’s that there’s no such thing as fate. I mean, just look in there.” She motioned to the room. “Jess and Jacob just finished moving into the lake house.” She smiled. “Jess had grown up believing that she would die a few nights ago.”
“The night the moon…?”
“Yes,” Xtina replied.
“What did happen that night?” They had run through the story quickly, but Liz could tell they had left out some of the story.
“Jess’s mother, Rachelle… sacrificed herself for her daughter and grandson,” Xtina said quietly.
Liz glanced over at Jess across the room. “Then why does Jess not like to mention her mother’s name?”
“It’s all still so… raw. Rachelle tried to…” She shook her head. “I guess kidnap her?” She rolled her eyes. “I thought my parents were bad.”
“Joe mentioned something about your parents.” She turned back to Xtina.
“They tried to use religion to rid me of my evil.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I have the scars to prove it.”
“I’m sorry,”
“Don’t be.” She smiled. “It made me who I am today. Someone who won’t stand for seeing anyone harm the weak.” She nodded to the food. “Now, what do you say we feed everyone and go over what we found.”
“Sounds good.” She turned to help but had to ask one more question. “So, did Jess say if she saw what I name the clinic?”
Xtina turned to her and laughed.
Chapter 18
It was strange—Joe had never realized how much he’d missed having friends to hang out with. For the past five years, he’d been on his own.
Sure, he had his folks, and before that, his uncle. But there was just nothing like having friends your own age, going through the same weird shit that you were, to make you feel comfortable. They all sat around Xtina’s living room, eating some of the casseroles her mother had left in a massive freezer before she’d died.
Jacob was telling everyone how Xtina’s parents’ death had officially been ruled a homicide.
“The rest of the Humanist Society, those that are left, are being tried as accomplices. Since William Ray is—”
“Dead,” Mike broke in. “Good riddance.” He reached over and wrapped an arm around Xtina.
“I couldn’t agree with you more,” Jacob said, smiling over at Xtina. “We’re all very thankful that we made it through that night.”
