Read Online Fate's Hand: Book One of The Celtic Prophecy by Melissa Macfie - Free Book Online Page B

and big eyes staring out of a face that was too pale. She looked like she was in desperate need of sleep, sun, and perhaps some make-up; she reached up to pinch her cheeks. A breeze blew and she shivered. It was unseasonably chilly for summer, even for Massachusetts.
    Decision hesitantly made, she walked across the street and headed for home. She passed close to a tour group as they stood in front of the tavern that the witch trial victim, Bridget Bishop, was said to haunt. Brenawyn stopped to hear the tale for a moment, enamored with the telling. When it was done, she flashed a brilliant smile at the tour guide before he protested a non-paying listener. The smile seemed to placate him and he glanced back to look at her several times as he proceeded with his tour.
    “Hello, beautiful.” A husky masculine voice behind her startled her out of her thoughts. Propelled backward by her dog, pulling on his collar enough to make him choke, she twisted, stumbling into Alex’s arms as the dog pranced at their feet. She could feel the blush rush into her cheeks as she realized her breasts were pressed against his chest and her bottom cupped in his hands. She planted both her hands on his chest and pushed off. He held on for a fraction of a second too long before he relinquished her.
    “Oh, I’m so sorry,” as Brenawyn extricated herself from his embrace and lightly brushed at his shirt. “Are you okay? Did I hurt you?” At his perusal, she was made all too aware of her outfit— a white lacy top and beige shorts which revealed too much of her legs.
    “Nay, o’ course no’. Think nothing o’ it. Are ye on yer way back home?”
    “Yes, but just to get a sweater out of my car. I didn’t realize the night would be so chilly.”
    At the mention of the weather, a strong breeze blew, raising gooseflesh on her bare arms, and even in the dim light shed by the street lamp, she knew he could make out the straining of nipples against the soft shirt. Unashamedly staring, he took his time tearing his eyes away and offered his arm, “Would ye like me to accompany ye back ta yer car then?”
    “If you’re sure that I’m not keeping you from anything,” Brenawyn answered, unsure.
    “Nothing that willna wait. So how are ye?”
    “I’m fine, just out for a walk with the pooch, trying to clear my head.”
    “Troubled? Having second thoughts about moving haur?”
    “No, not that, but trying to…adjust to some new information.”
    “New information?”
    “Yeah, nothing really, just surprising is all.” Shaking her head, “It’s nothing of import.” Blatantly changing topics, Brenawyn asked, “So did you do anything fun after I saw you today?”
    Alex laughed, “Well, no’ fun. I had ta work. I taught an evening class ta a bunch o’ sophomoric individuals who rained infantile questions at me about Beltaine rights, even though Lughnasadh is in a few days. Most o’ them will be at th’ park ta catch my bit at th’ beginning, since someone in th’ class found out I was a part o’ it.”
    “And what are you doing for that?” Brenawyn asked, interested and half surprising herself, thrilled that she would be seeing him again so soon.
    “I am going ta give some background history on th’ ceremony, explaining wha’ th’ feast celebrates, wha’ each part o’ th’ ceremony means, and its significance, as an introduction ta ye.” Rolling his eyes heavenward, “I even ha’ a costume tha’ I ha’ been persuaded ta wear.”
    She laughed, “Oh, my friend, you will not be alone on that count. I have one too. Though I don’t mind wearing it, it’s beautiful.”
    “Ye would make anything bonny.”
    Brenawyn stopped in front of The Rising Moon and looked up at him, “Thank you. I appreciate the compliment, even though I know that you’re exaggerating.” Pausing to look at her car, then upstairs, she continued, “If you have time, I’ll go and bring the dog upstairs, and we can continue our walk.”
    Catching her