Wicked Magic (2 page)

Smiling as she reached over to pat Maggie’s head, Chandler took a moment to take in her friend’s appearance. She was a short, plump brunette in her mid-thirties with an interesting sense of fashion. Chandler suspected hippie was somewhere in Kara’s family lineage.

“Morning, Kara.” Chandler attempted to appear more awake and cheerful than she felt. She wasn’t much of a morning person. Having been woken up didn’t help her mood.

“Good morning, Chandler. I hope I didn’t wake you.”

“No.” She stepped back, and pulled the door open wider so Kara and Maggie could enter, and then shut the door behind them.

“The workers?” Kara asked as she unhooked Maggie’s leash.

Chandler nodded. “Would you like some coffee?”

“That would be great.”

Maggie ran ahead of the two women, already knowing their destination. Once they were all in the kitchen, Kara took a seat at the kitchen table while Chandler pulled a bag of coffee beans from her cupboard and proceeded to grind enough to make a pot of coffee.

“You look tired, Chandler,” Kara observed. “Working hard on your new video game?”

“Trying to. The last couple of days I’ve been a bit distracted.”

“By what?” Kara’s attention focused on her dog. “Maggie, come over here.” The dog instantly obeyed, leaving the item she was sniffing to come and lie down beside her chair.

“I don’t know how to explain it. I’ve been having trouble focusing on my work. I feel like something’s off.”

“The way you stay locked up inside your house, I’m sure it’s just a case of going stir-crazy. It’s not good to live like a hermit, away from everything and everyone.”

“I know.” Chandler turned on the coffee maker, and then went to the cupboard to get two coffee cups and a container of sugar. After she’d carried them to the table, she walked over to the refrigerator and pulled out a small carton of cream and set it on the table next to the other items. “But that’s how I get my work done.”

“You’d probably be better off working in an office instead of out of your home.”

“Doesn’t mean that my hours would be any less than they are now. Only harder to focus with the distractions of other people.” She stood in front of her pantry, searching for the package of chocolate doughnuts she’d bought last night.

“But you might be mingling with
said
people,” Kara pointed out. “You can’t meet anyone hiding in your house. What are you, about twenty-five, twenty-six?”

“I’m twenty-six,” Chandler answered, as she walked over and sat down in the chair opposite Kara. After fiddling the package open, Chandler offered a doughnut to Kara before she set the box on the table and took one for herself.

“When’s the last time you went out on a date? Did something just for the hell of it?” Before Chandler could answer, Kara said, “It’s obviously been a long time.”

“Well—”

“I’m right, aren’t I?”

“Um—”

“Don’t even try to deny it. I’ve never seen you with anyone since you moved here.”

“I’ve been busy.”

“That’s an excuse. If you want to do something, you find ways to make time for it.”

“Why has my romantic life, or lack of one, suddenly become everyone’s business?” Chandler shook her head, thinking back to last night and her meeting with Zee. Before Kara could ask, Chandler got up when she saw that the coffee was ready, and then poured two cups. “First a total stranger and now you.”

“You’ve lost me,” Kara said before she put the last bite of the doughnut in her mouth.

Chandler proceeded to tell Kara about her evening out last night and her curious encounter with Zee, but left out the part about the wish. By the time she was finished with her story, Kara was sporting a huge grin, trying to refrain from laughing at her and failing.

“What’s so funny?”

“I’m sorry, Chandler. I don’t mean to laugh at you, but you have to admit it is rather amusing.”

“Am I really that obvious?”

“A little bit.”

“It’s not like I want to be by myself. Unlike what other people think, I do consider having someone in my life.”
Actually, quite a bit
, she thought.

“You’re the type that has a hard time letting someone else in. It’s scary, I know. Wondering if that person you trust with your heart and soul is someone who won’t eventually hurt you.”

“My father and stepmother weren’t the best examples.”

“Just because they’re assholes, and you grew up around their influence, doesn’t mean you’ll end up like them.”

“God, I hope not.”

“From the little bit you’ve told me about them, it’s obvious they didn’t marry each other for any other reason than to further each other’s circumstances. A business arrangement and nothing more.” Kara reached for another doughnut. “A marriage is easier to endure if you like the person you’re involved with.”

“The trouble is finding someone.”

“But I don’t see you looking.” She broke apart a piece of doughnut, and then put it in her mouth. She chewed until she’d swallowed most of the doughnut. “Relationships are hard work, Chandler. My marriage may seem perfect to you, but it’s not. There are days I’d love to shoot Jake for some of the stupid shit he does. Then he goes and buys me flowers and brings home dinner just because, and I remember why I love the idiot.”

“Well, to me that’s perfect. At least you love him and he loves you.”

Kara reached for her coffee and took a swallow. She watched as Chandler absentmindedly stirred hers with a spoon. “Haven’t you ever been in love, Chandler?”

Chandler looked down at her coffee cup. “No.”

“Not even a crush?”

Chandler considered that a moment. “Maybe a few, but no one I felt I couldn’t live my life without. Plus, I’ve never been very outgoing. As you recall, you’re the one who initiated our friendship.”

“Well, I am a bit of a pushy bitch.”

Chandler grinned as the mood lightened a little bit by her friend’s unabashed comment.

“Next you’ll be telling me that you’re a virgin.”

Feeling self-conscious, Chandler looked away. She didn’t want to admit it out loud.

“Really? I’ve known you four years and you keep something like that from me?”

“No offense, Kara, but it’s kind of personal and sometimes you—”

“Open my big mouth when I shouldn’t. Yes, I know. A terrible habit of mine.”

Kara looked Chandler over. “I don’t get it.”

“What don’t you get?” Chandler took a swallow of her coffee.

“You’re such a beautiful woman. I’d think you’d be beating the guys, and some of the girls, off with a stick.”

“Beauty doesn’t guarantee anything. Besides, it’s not like I’m a fashion model or anything.” Chandler dropped her gaze down to where her hands cupped her warm coffee mug. “I’ve dated a few times, so I’m not a complete nun.”

“Then why?”

“I don’t know.” Chandler played with her coffee cup. “Going to an all-girl boarding school didn’t help much. By the time I was in college, I was so focused on getting my degree and getting out from underneath my family’s thumb that I never made time for anything else. But to tell the truth, I never found anyone I liked more than just a friend. I’ve never felt that magic something. Maybe I’m not meant to be with anyone.”

“Now you’re being ridiculous.”

“I suppose, but it’s not something I’m going to ever settle for. If I ever fall in love, I want it to be forever.”

“Who would have ever guessed you as a romantic?” Kara teased. “But seriously, you’ve really never—”

“Just because I’m a virgin doesn’t mean I don’t know what orgasms are,” Chandler pointed out.

“What was I thinking? With all your high-tech gadgetry, you probably have a better selection of toys than I have.”

Chandler felt herself blush at the implications. Maybe she owned a vibrator or two, but they weren’t as exotic as Kara was making out. “So, do you know anything about the new neighbor?”

“Changing the subject?” Kara raised an eyebrow. “Okay, I’ll drop it for now.”

“So?”

“Well, I met her a few weeks ago.”

“Her?”

“Yes, her name’s Alexandra Doherty and I’d say she’s about thirty, although she looks younger. She’s some big-time photographer/artist from New York. She’s known as
The Queen of Beautiful Images.
Apparently, she’s going to be teaching a few classes at the college where Jake and I work. Said a friend of hers talked her into coming out here to teach photography, but I bet there’s more to her leaving New York than that.”

“Why?”

“There’s something a little bit off about her. I’m betting she’s just gotten out of a relationship of some sort. She didn’t come out and say anything, but I’m certain I’m right. I kind of have a sixth sense about these sorts of things.” Kara tapped her right index finger against the side of her head for emphasis.

Chandler smirked, knowing it had more to do with how nosy she was rather than having any kind of intuitive sense.

“Did she seem nice? Someone who’d fit in here?”

“I think I’ll let you be the judge of that.”

“What does that mean?”

“Well, she’s an exotic mix of mysterious and alluring. She’s very beautiful, and knows it, but she’s not arrogant about it. She’s not lacking in confidence, that’s for certain. If I didn’t know any better, I’d guess she possesses some regal blood in her veins.”

“Well, you did say she was
The Queen of Beautiful Images
.”

“There’s that and her family is fairly prominent in Manhattan. Not the sort of people who’ve ever had to worry about money, if you know what I mean.”

“As long as she doesn’t act like she’s better than us.”

“No, I don’t think she’s a bitch. I think she knows who she is and doesn’t care what others think. Personally, I liked her. I think she’ll be a refreshing addition to the Art Department.”

Kara finished the rest of her coffee and then said, “Well, I should probably let you get to work. I need to finish walking Maggie as well.” The dog stood up as Kara reached down to reattach her leash. “Thanks for the coffee and doughnuts.”

“Anytime.”

“School doesn’t start back up until next week.” Kara got to her feet. “Do you want to go to the movies sometime this week? You know that new romantic comedy that just came out? My husband hates to go to the so-called
chick flicks
, but I love them and I hate going by myself.”

“Sure. Let me know when and what time.”

Chandler stared at the house next door while she watered the flowers around her front porch. Three days had passed since the first set of workers had performed improvements to the property. The large, overgrown yard had been thoroughly groomed and re-landscaped. It now put most of the yards in the neighborhood to shame. As for the house, it had been updated with a fresh coat of paint and a new roof.

When a large moving van showed up yesterday, it took three burly-looking men the better part of the afternoon to move furniture and boxes into the house. While that occurred, Chandler had expected to see her new neighbor at some point, but all she ever saw were the men.

Finished with her flowers, Chandler walked over and shut off the water. As she started to roll up the garden hose, a black Mercedes sedan pulled up into the driveway next door. The driver stopped before the garage and parked.

Chandler watched as a woman exited the vehicle and opened the rear driver’s side door. She bent and ducked down inside. When the woman stood back up, a satchel was slung over her shoulder, and two large grocery sacks were balanced in each arm.

The woman hesitated a moment, and then leaned back inside the car. This time when she stood, there was the addition of a small case in her right hand. After she took an unsteady step backward, she ended up losing her grip on the case and dropped one of the sacks. As it hit the ground, oranges, apples, and some other food containers rolled out.

“Shit!” The woman cursed and made a weak attempt to contain the chaos.

Chandler rushed over to the other yard and said, “Here, let me help you.” She hunched down and began to round up the spilled items. Once everything was back in the sack, she gathered up the bag and stood.

When the woman noticed Chandler, her lips turned upward into a broad, friendly smile. “Thanks.”

“Not a problem,” she replied, feeling a bit awestruck. Before her stood a very beautiful raven-haired woman with hypnotic brown eyes and full red lips. As they stood next to one another, Chandler noticed the woman was taller than her by a few inches, and possessed a keen fashion sense. She was dressed in a light-colored tunic over a pair of skin-tight dark denim capris. On her feet she wore flat-heeled sandals that matched the color of her top. From the dark purple polish on her toenails to her make-up and hair, she looked flawless.

“Hello. I’m your new neighbor, Alexandra Doherty.” She held out her free hand, which Chandler accepted. “Everyone calls me Alex. You may as well, if you like.”

Chandler stared at her, feeling like a tongue-tied idiot, unable to respond. When she managed to make her mouth work, her face burned as her shyness overwhelmed her. “Um, I’m Chandler. Chandler Gray.”

Alex appeared intrigued. “Very nice to meet you, Chandler.” She peered into her eyes for a minute or two before her gaze drifted downward. She took her time, making it seem obvious as she took in Chandler’s body.

Her boldness surprised Chandler, but she found herself unable to move. When Alex shifted her focus to their joined hands, Chandler felt her stomach flip. A mischievous expression filled Alex’s face as she looked back up into Chandler’s eyes.

Chandler remained frozen in place until she felt the soft caress of Alex’s thumb on the back of her hand. Experiencing the initial stirrings of arousal, Chandler panicked and let go of Alex’s hand as she took a step backward.

Feeling embarrassed and a bit perplexed, Chandler shuffled from foot to foot, but couldn’t seem to look away from Alex. It was as if the woman had some unseen power over her.

“Would you like some help taking your things inside?” Chandler offered, trying not to sound as awkward as she felt. “I mean, I’d be more than happy to help.”

“Yes, thank you. That would be great.” Alex gestured to the car. “There’s another sack on the backseat if you wouldn’t mind grabbing it for me.”