Page 24 of A Charming Touch of Tarot (The Gin & Tarot Club #2)

24

Knight of Cups

Tonight has turned out to be just what I needed. Nick talked me into leaving the bed-and-breakfast, and it turned into an impromptu date. We indulged in a hearty meal, the savory flavors still dancing on my taste buds.

We’re strolling hand in hand through the French Quarter, swaying to the sound of the jazz music playing all around us. Despite the heaviness that lingers from our earlier brush with the supernatural, the simple joy of being with Nick has my cup overflowing.

We come across a row of tables where various psychics are offering their services, and I don’t miss how Nick’s steps pick up, a sure sign he’s trying to avoid any more mystical encounters.

“You scared about what they’d have to say?” I tease, earning a playful glare from Nick.

“No, I just want to spend time talking to you and not some wannabe playing god.”

I quirk a brow, looking up at him with a challenge. “You don’t believe in them, but you believe in me?”

“That’s right,” he says without hesitation. “You’ve more than proved your ability. These people are preying on those who want nothing more than to experience a touch of magic.”

“A touch of magic, huh?” I grin, and Nick’s mouth slams shut.

“Is it the detective or inherent skepticism talking?” I ask, biting my bottom lip, watching Nick squirm with every word I speak.

“Both?” He shrugs. “I was raised to ask questions. To look beyond the surface.”

“But you’re not,” I dare say. “You’ve taken one look at these people and determined they’re fakes.”

Nick’s head jerks back and a hurt expression crosses his face. “I have not. Have I?”

I purse my lips, shrugging one shoulder.

“Okay…fine. Pick one out,” he says, and I smile.

“I’m only playing with you, Nick. You have nothing to prove.”

“Yes, I do.” He stares into my eyes as he says this. “You’re right. I need to give people a chance.”

I bob my head, looking around before I find a woman shuffling a deck of tarot cards.

Grabbing Nick’s hand, I pull him toward her table. The woman is wearing at least five colorful scarves draped around her neck, her hair hidden under a burnt orange turban. An assortment of crystals are scattered on her table, along with at least ten decks of tarot and oracle cards.

“For whom am I reading this evening?” she says, glancing between us.

“Him,” I say, motioning toward a stoic Nick.

His posture indicates he’s not at all comfortable with this, yet he’s humoring me.

The woman bows her head, motioning for him to take a seat. He slinks down into the cheap folding chair, nearly breaking the thing. The woman purses her lips before making a show of running her hands over all her decks until she’s landed on the one meant for Nick’s reading.

She shuffles the tarot deck with dramatic flair, and I can’t help but stifle a giggle at her theatrics. With a flourish, she lays out the cards, and I find myself leaning in to see what she’s drawn.

“What is this deck?” I ask, nose screwed up in a mix of confusion and cynicism.

I understand that there are an endless number of tarot decks available by extremely talented artists, but this one is just plain weird.

“Ah, the Card of Eternal Socks,” she proclaims dramatically, pointing to a card depicting a pair of mismatched socks floating in a sea of bubbles. “This represents your past, a time of lost socks and misplaced keys.”

I exchange a bemused glance with Nick, who raises an eyebrow in disbelief. The psychic continues, undeterred by our suppressed laughter.

“And now, the Card of Cosmic Cheese,” she declares, gesturing to a card featuring a block of cheese with stars and planets orbiting around it. “This signifies your present, a time of cosmic contemplation and cheesy revelations.”

I struggle to contain my laughter as Nick looks on, clearly unimpressed by the absurdity of it all.

“The Card of Chaotic Chihuahuas. It represents your future and revolves around unexpected disruptions and frenetic energy.”

This card takes the cake in kooky. A tiny chihuahua is running amok in a whirlwind of colorful confetti.

She shuffles the deck once more, flipping through them quickly before one card flies from the deck. She flips it over, revealing walruses frolicking in a whimsical underwater scene.

“Oooh,” she coos, “this is rather interesting.”

I cross my arms over my chest, waiting with bated breath for whatever revelation of brilliance she’s about to impart on us. “This card symbolizes what’s to come if nothing changes,” she explains. “You can expect unexpected twists and playful energy.” She waggles her eyebrows.

I clear my throat, ready to ask questions to better understand Nick’s spread.

“What does any of that mean?”

The woman opens and then closes her mouth. “Well…I don’t know. Only he does.”

My head falls back with a groan.

The psychic’s over-the-top delivery was the only thing that made the money I’m about to hand over worth it. The fact that she can’t explain the meaning, beyond what the little book that accompanies the cards says, makes it abundantly clear that Nick was right. She’s nothing more than a charlatan.

“Okay,” I say, placing the twenty-dollar bill on the table. “Thank you very much, but we’re going now.”

I motion for Nick to follow me away from the fake psychic before things get any weirder.

His laughter is deep and throaty as he steps up next to me, shaking his head as his chest shakes.

“Shut it, West,” I snap playfully. “Those cards meant something. It’s not their fault the woman wielding them is clueless.”

“Oh yeah? Please enlighten me on the hidden meaning behind the Card of Constant Cheese,” he says, voice cracking as he bursts into laughter.

I slap his stomach. “It was Cosmic Cheese, not Constant.” I can’t help but contain my own laughter.

“It refers to your current contemplation about how to release your former love so that you can step into this new relationship with both feet.”

Nick and I both snap our attention to a man shrouded in shadow down the line of tables. As we continue toward him, a small table light sitting beside him illuminates his features. The man’s intense stare is focused on Nick.

“Excuse me?” Nick says, eyes narrowing in on the slender man seated behind a black-clothed table.

Much like the woman’s, his is filled with mystical trinkets and multiple decks of cards.

“The cards she drew weren’t the problem. It’s her lack of ability,” the man says. “But you already knew that.”

I blink, thrown off guard by the man.

“Come. Sit,” he says, motioning toward his vacant chairs. “I’ll interpret her reading and add my own twist.”

“No, thank you,” Nick says, continuing to walk past the man’s table.

I can tell by Nick’s posture that the man has him on edge.

“I can help you. If you’ll only listen,” he calls to Nick’s retreating back.

I’m not about to force Nick into anything more tonight. I’d only been kidding before, and he was a good sport for going down the rabbit hole with me. But this man’s mention of Isla is something else entirely. I won’t interfere in this.

Nick’s steps falter, eventually stopping. He doesn’t move, seemingly contemplating what to do. When he turns around, it’s clear he’s decided that the man’s promise of help is something he wants to pursue.

He takes a seat, not looking at me once. It stings a little, but with the subject being Isla, I can only imagine how uncomfortable he is, especially having this discussion in front of me.

“I’ll just be over here,” I say, turning to walk away to give him privacy, but he reaches out, hand grazing my arm.

“No. Stay.”

It’s all he says, but I can tell he doesn’t want me to go. I nod and take the seat next to him, determined to act as a source of support for whatever’s to come.

The man folds his hands together and places them on the table. “Tell me, what were your cards? Say them in order if possible.”

Nick looks to me, and I search my memory. “Eternal socks, cosmic cheese, chaotic chihuahuas, and something about walruses,” I say, unable to recall the last one in any greater detail.

He takes a deep breath. “Whimsical Walruses,” he says, bobbing his head as if that somehow makes sense.

He takes a few minutes to close his eyes and concentrate. Nick and I share a glance, both curious about where this is going. When the man opens his eyes, they’re a deeper blue than they’d been moments ago.

“Your past was a series of unfortunate events. You lost someone special, only to lose yourself.”

Nick stiffens next to me but remains quiet. The man has so far hit the nail on the head, and I know this is going to be a life-changing reading for him.

“Presently, the one you lost has made a return, but not for long. They need closure that only you can provide, but you’re hesitating.” He stares into Nick’s eyes. “Why?”

Nick swallows, head tilting to the side. His mouth opens, and he’s about to speak, but the man’s hand flies up, stopping him.

“I see it now. They’re not of this world entirely.”

My mouth drops open. This is going beyond a card reading. This man is a gifted psychic.

“You understand things will never be what they were, but you’re struggling with the knowledge that, in a sense, they’ll leave you again.”

My stomach twists, pain gripping my chest at the thought of how Nick must be hurting. Without thinking, I reach out, placing my hand on top of Nick’s shaking hands. I squeeze, letting him know that I’m here. That I understand.

“But they must go. They want to go. And only you can make that happen,” the man says. “You need to say whatever it is you never had the chance to say and send them on their way.”

“What if I can’t? What if it doesn’t work?”

“It will,” the man says confidently. “When you do, a new love will take root and grow. It’ll be unlike anything you’ve experienced before.” He purses his lips and looks to the sky. “But the road to that love won’t be without its struggles. It appears you will have many obstacles to face together before you get that happy ending.”

Nick looks to me and offers a smile that I return.

“Is there anything else that I should know?” Nick asks, and the man closes his eyes again.

“You have gifts that you suppress. Open your mind and heart, and they’ll manifest.”

Nick’s face screws up. “That, I doubt.” Nick shakes his head. “I’ll leave the gifts to others.”

I exchange a look with Nick, feeling a mixture of excitement and curiosity. What powers could Nick have that he’s refusing to use? Can he be persuaded to one day drop that wall and allow himself to fully embrace that this world isn’t what it seems?

The psychic turns to me, his eyes piercing my soul. “You are surrounded by spirits,” he says solemnly. “Not everyone can be helped, and you must be prepared to tell some to move on. Closure isn’t granted to all.”

His words feel like a punch to the gut. What’s the point in having this ability if I can’t help them?

“Do you have any idea how many spirits are roaming the streets of New Orleans?” the man says, grabbing my attention. “Too many. It would take you your lifetime to send even a portion of them on. It’s impossible, and you’ll only wear yourself down quickly trying. Take precautions and know what your body can handle.” He narrows his eyes. “Angry spirits are something you shouldn’t trifle with. Allow someone who understands dark arts to tackle those in the future.”

I swallow, feeling entirely too exposed by this man. How does he know so much about us when we’ve only just met? Could I one day do the same?

Nick stands, holding out his hand to me. “Thank you, sir. We appreciate your help.”

He throws a fifty-dollar bill onto the table before pulling me to my feet. “We appreciate your time.”

I follow Nick down the road, but my mind is stuck back on that strange man who knew far too much.

“Do you want dessert?” Nick asks, and I turn to look at him with a pinched expression.

“I couldn’t eat if I wanted to right now.”

He nods his head. “Let’s head back to the B and B. We’ve had enough for one day, I’d say.”

A heavy breath bursts from my chest, exhaustion taking over. He’s right. It was too much.

I don’t even remember the walk back to the Garden District. We were both silent, lost in our own thoughts. I can only guess what held Nick’s attention, but mine was stuck on the fact that I have to pick and choose who I help. That feels like a heavy burden to bear. How can I turn spirits away, knowing that someone will likely be left here on earth to suffer? It’s heartbreaking to think about.

We’re in front of the Ramada House when Nick turns to look at me.

“Are you angry with me?”

I move back a step, looking up at him. “Why would I be angry with you?”

Air expels from his open mouth. “You haven’t said a word since we left that guy. I just assumed…” His words trail off.

“I’m not,” I say, shaking my head. “I’ve been too busy thinking about what he said. It’s bothering me to think about turning a spirit away who just wants closure.”

His head moves up and down. “I get it.” My eyes narrow in on him, not because I’m skeptical, but because I’m curious about what he’s thinking. “I have three filing cabinets back at the station full of unsolved cases. Families left wondering what happened to their loved ones. So, when I say I understand, I truly do, Alyssa.” He takes my hand and brings it to his lips, planting a gentle kiss. “All we can do is try to help as many as we can. It has to be enough.”

“How do I choose?” I whisper.

He shrugs. “For me, I felt a special calling to homicide. I didn’t have a personal connection. As stupid as it sounds, I watched a true-crime documentary, and it stuck with me. I put myself in the victims’ shoes and knew that if someone ever hurt my family, I would die getting to the truth.”

“Maybe I should take Bee’s advice and ask the universe to send me the people that need my help the most.”

He raises an eyebrow. “Where did she come from anyway?”

“That would be Corinne’s aunt,” I respond, a smirk playing on my lips as I notice the slight wrinkle of his nose.

“That makes sense,” he chuckles, though the humor fades from his expression swiftly. “About Isla…”

I shake my head gently, not wanting to pressure him into discussing her. “You don’t owe me any explanations. I understand, Nick. If I were in your shoes, I’d feel just as torn.”

He grimaces, glancing around. “Is she…”

“No. The ring is back in Knox Harbor. She isn’t here,” I vow, wanting him to feel comfortable, and that knowledge clearly helps.

His shoulders relax, and his features soften. “I feel guilty.” My head tilts to the side, but I allow him to continue. “If I don’t fight sending her on, won’t she think I’m trying to get rid of her? Won’t she think I’ve replaced her easily with you?”

I place a hand on his shoulder, smiling sadly. “I promise you, that’s not something to worry about. The woman was trying to coach me on how to win your love.”

He splutters and coughs, finally breaking into laughter. “What? Oh god. What did she say?” The smile that spreads across his face is almost blinding. It’s like the weight of the world has been lifted by a single truth.

“Hmm,” I say, tapping my chin. “Let’s see…I was supposed to ask you about the Jets. And motocross.” He lifts a brow. “When I told her I didn’t care for either, she was rather horrified. She said I needed to step aside so that she could find someone more compatible for you.” I chuckle and he grunts.

“That…definitely sounds like Isla.” He shakes his head. “So she’s trying to set me up.”

“Oh yeah. She wants to see you happy, Nick. It’s all she wants for you.”

He takes a step toward me so that we’re chest to chest, looking down at me with a lazy grin. “It’s my dad who likes the Jets. I could give two fucks about football.” He shrugs. “Motocross almost killed me in my thirties, so those days are over.” He pulls me flush against him, staring down into my eyes. “A lot’s changed since Isla died. I’ve changed. I’ll always be the man she fell in love with, but I’d like to think I’ve evolved, like men are supposed to.”

I smile up at him, my eyes roaming over his handsome features, getting lost in his beautiful gray-blue eyes.

“I want you to know me,” he says, eyes penetrating mine. “The person I am now. Not the guy who lost Isla, but the man who’s falling for you.”

My breath hitches, my entire body light and tingly.

“Because I am, Alyssa. I’m falling hard, and I hope you’re right there with me.”

I feel a flutter in my chest, a sensation that’s become all too familiar in Nick’s presence. It’s as if every word, every glance, every touch between us ignites a spark, drawing us closer together.

“I am, Nick. I’m right there with you.”

Nick’s lips crash against mine, and a surge of electricity shoots through me, igniting every nerve ending in my body. His kiss is bold and passionate, leaving me breathless.

His hand gently cradles the back of my neck, his touch causing goose bumps. Our lips move together in perfect harmony, the connection between us deepening with every minute that passes.

Time seems to stand still as we lose ourselves in the moment, the world around us fading into the background. It’s just him and me, our hearts beating in sync as we share this intimate embrace.

Until some idiot passing by decides to ruin the moment. “Do us a favor and get a damn room.”

I pull away, placing my head against Nick’s chest, feeling his heart beat a mile a minute. He chuckles into the top of my head.

“No need to be embarrassed, Lyss. The guy looks more bitter than anything,” Nick says, loud enough for the guy to hear.

“Yeah, fuck you, man,” the guy yells, continuing to make his way down the street.

“Let’s go,” he says, leading me into the B and B.

The place is empty, Adeana nowhere to be seen. We make our way up the stairs and down the hall to my room. I find the key buried in my bag and unlock the door.

Nick lightly pushes me inside, closing the door behind us. I turn to face him, my heart racing as I take in his heavy breathing and the intense desire in his heated gaze.

He moves toward me with measured steps, gradually guiding us backward until the backs of my knees hit the soft mattress.

“If you’re not ready for this, we can take things slow,” he says, searching my eyes. “I’ll follow your lead.”

My head shakes back and forth slowly. “No.” The word comes out breathy, my hand lifting to grasp his T-shirt. “I want this.”

With those words, all hesitation fades away as I pull Nick toward me. His lips meet mine, igniting a firestorm of desire between us. There’s no doubt or uncertainty, only the overwhelming pull to him.

Nick slowly lowers me to the bed, taking special care not to put his full weight on me, never breaking our kiss. He explores my mouth like he’s been here a million times before but wants to uncover something new. It feels familiar but is mixed with that brand-new thrill. The chills and butterflies are all present and doing a number on my senses.

With every moment that passes, each kiss we share, I feel myself falling deeper for him, my emotions swirling like a whirlwind inside me. It’s as if we’re creating our own little world, a place where nothing else matters except us.

He pulls back just slightly. “I…don’t have a condom,” he says breathlessly.

There’s something about knowing he came here without the intention of taking things further that makes my heart swell. It shows that this means more than that to Nick. What we have runs deeper than physical attraction. It’s there, absolutely, but it’s not all this is. We’re building an emotional bond that is so much greater.

“I had a vasectomy, but…I never followed up to confirm it worked,” he admits, looking sheepish.

I grimace at what comes next. “It wouldn’t be a good idea,” I admit. “I’m not on birth control because…well…”

He presses his lips to mine, cutting off my awkwardness.

“I think we both know that a baby is not in our plans.”

I chuckle. “Yeah. No babies.”

Nick falls over to his back on a groan. “I could run to the corner store,” he says, but a thought occurs to me.

Lanie’s here, and if anyone would come prepared for anything, it’s her.

“I’ll…be right back,” I say, refraining from explaining my plan.

It’s going to be embarrassing enough to ask her, knowing she’ll be right across the hallway, knowing exactly what we’re doing.

And that thought has me stopping before my hand has even touched the knob. I turn back to Nick, teeth clenched and forehead wrinkled.

He laughs. “Having second thoughts about asking Lanie?”

My eyes widen. “How did you…”

His head tilts and he grins. “If you’re leaving this room, it’s for one thing, and Lanie seems like the best chance.”

“But then she’d know, and it would be weird…right?”

His eyes roam over my body and darken. “Personally, I don’t give a damn who’s across the hall and what they know.” His shoulder does a half shrug. “But I want you to be comfortable. So it’s your call.”

My head falls back, frustration mounting.

I’m an adult. I shouldn’t feel awkward about this.

“Fuck it,” I say, recognizing that I’ve just let the mother of all curses slip, as I make my way through the door and across the hall, Nick’s laugh following me the whole way.

I lift my hand to knock, and it swings open before I’ve had a chance. Lanie is decked out in a ruby, long-sleeved satin jumpsuit with a deep V-neck, banded waist, and tapered pants. She’s already taller than me, but the nude, open-toe pumps have her towering over me.

“Going somewhere?” I say, eyeing her up and down.

She pops out her hip, pulling her nude clutch against her chest. “I didn’t come all this way to sleep.”

“I’m not trying to sound like your mother, but I don’t like the idea of you roaming around New Orleans by yourself.”

She rolls her eyes. “First of all, if I had a mother worth mentioning, you’d sound just like her. Secondly, I’m going with Adeana.”

My eyebrow lifts. “Ah, that’s…fun.”

She nods enthusiastically. “She has the hookup to some incredible club. Nina’s passed out, and you’re…well…preoccupied. Figured you wouldn’t even know that I’m gone.”

I smile. “I’m glad to know you’re not going alone. Be safe.”

She nods. “Did you need something?” She’s grinning as though she knows a secret.

I rock back on my heels, feeling the awkwardness creep its way back in.

She grunts, opening her purse and producing exactly what I came for. “Your face gave you away,” she says, holding it between two fingers. “There’s more in the top drawer,” she says, motioning her head toward the lone dresser in her room. “Get it, girl.”

She hands me the condom, smiling wide as she walks past me, leaving me standing in her room as she makes her way down the hall.

I sigh. At least she won’t be here, and Nina’s asleep.

I grab a couple more from the drawer just to be safe and rush back to my room, finding Nick on his back, peering up at the ceiling.

I close the door quietly, making my way to join him on the bed.

He turns toward me when he feels the bed dip. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah. Lanie was headed out for the night. She’s going with Adeana to some club.”

“Adeana?” Nick asks, sounding a tad skeptical.

“The blonde you met briefly. Her parents own the place. They’re meeting her friends.”

He nods as if this news satisfies his concern.

A loud, obnoxious yawn breaks free from me, signaling to Nick that I’m beyond exhausted. And I am. I didn’t sleep last night, and it’s caught up with me.

Nick pulls me against him, kissing the top of my head. “You should sleep.”

“No,” I whine. “I’m fine.”

Nick tries to cover his own yawn, but it’s no use. I can see how exhausted he is too. His eyes are glassy, and the lines around his eyes are more pronounced than usual.

“Looks like we’re both beat,” I say, chuckling. “I’m sorry.”

“For what? I get to hold you all night.” He grins. “Sweetheart, I’m not disappointed to sleep next to you. Not one bit.” He places a kiss on my mouth, allowing his lips to linger for a moment. “There will be plenty of nights for us. Tonight, let’s sleep.”

We get ourselves comfortable, me curled into Nick’s side as his breathing evens out. He was more tired than he let on, and I’m happy I didn’t push. He’s right—we have all the time in the world to be together intimately. There’s no rush. This right here, me being snug tight in Nick’s arms, is all I need.