Page 18 of Enchanted Hero (The Secret Enchanters #1)

He raised an eyebrow, then placed a hand on the small of her back.

She started, yet couldn’t get away as they descended into the voluminous crowd already forming.

This time they noticed her as well. “Who is this lovely lady?” The mayor, a portly man with shiny teeth and an even shiner head grinned.

Betty Stevens, a reporter from a leading local news channel, held out a recorder.

Everleigh opened her mouth to answer, but Alexander spoke first, “This is Everleigh Lacey, founder of New Age Treasures, a holistic company that sells unique and wonderous products. You’ll be hearing a lot more about them in the coming months.”

Everleigh smiled, as the heaviness in her chest eased. That was exactly the type of introduction she’d expected – professional, poised and rational.

“She’s also my date.”

Why that little–

Had Alexander Stone actually called her his date? Not business partner, not colleague, but date ? “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” The mayor shook her hand, as the reporter studied her like a specimen at a high school biology class.

“How long have you been together?” she asked.

“We’re not together!” Everleigh swiftly rebutted. “I mean, not together together.”

The reporter pushed the recorder closer. “Did you come with Mr. Stone?”

Well… “Yes.”

“Doesn’t that kind of make you together? Together together?”

“I say yes,” the mayor interjected. The group chuckled.

Everleigh clenched her fists. “Even though we came together, we’re not together. Not together like a date together. Does that make sense?”

Everyone shook their heads.

“Oh.”

“It’s okay.” The reporter winked. “Maybe you can explain it to me, on the record.”

A dozen bricks now weighed down her chest. “It’s just one of those things that’s inexplicable.”

“Talking of the inexplicable, did you hear about the magic show?” The reporter shoved the recorder back at Alexander. “Rumor has it the man actually flew. I’ve been getting quotes all day from audience members. People are speculating it’s the same man from the tornado.”

Alexander swiped a glass of merlot from a passing waiter. “I’m sorry, Ms. Stevens, but clearly it was part of the show. What are the chances of actual magic happening at a magic show?”

For once someone didn’t automatically agree with Alexander. “Perhaps more than you think.” The reporter sobered, her glittery gossip style demeanor replaced by the seriousness of a seasoned journalist. “It’s all anyone can talk about. Even the government is involved.”

Everleigh stiffened. “The government?”

The reporter nodded. “Officials are all over the fair, speaking to people. Have they caught up with you yet?”

“No,” Alexander said firmly. His gaze wandered, halting at something, or someone, across the room. He addressed the ever-growing crowd. “I’m afraid we have to go. Can I count on you to be tasteful?”

“As always.” The reporter smiled, and Everleigh just managed to hide her grimace. Was anyone not at this man’s command?

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

She followed him through the crowd, smiling and greeting and waving until they reached a plain wooden door. He held it open, revealing… a wonderland.

It was just like she’d imagined her prom would be, all those years ago.

A clearing in the garden, sparkling lights frosting the trees, twinkling stars in a velvet sky.

A gentle breeze carried the scent of roses and gardenias, as the soft sounds of nature played backup to music she couldn’t quite locate.

“I didn’t know they had an outside area,” she breathed, pivoting all around.

A single table was set with the same dazzling decorations as inside. “Why isn’t anyone out here?”

He shrugged. “It was a last-minute thing.”

“Wait a minute. You couldn’t have… you didn’t…” She parted her lips. “Did you do this for me?”

He inclined his head. “I thought you’d enjoy it.”

“But how?” The decorations and scenery should’ve taken hours to set up. “I was with you the entire time. When did you ask someone to do it?”

He smiled. “I’m pretty good at getting things done.”

That didn’t explain any of it, but as usual with Alexander Stone, there’d be no more explanations. Her anger of earlier thawed, just a little. “Thank you. It truly is beautiful.”

He held out his hand. “Would you like to dance?”

More than anything.

Next to candles flickering under the starlit sky, she surrendered to the power that was Alexander Stone.

He grasped her in his muscular arms, once more capturing her as they soared through a dance, moving in perfect harmony.

Her resistance faltered with every step, caught in temptation she couldn’t fight.

Time was meaningless, in this world of enchantment.

The songs melted into each other as they danced beneath the diamond curtain of stars. She would’ve continued forever if he didn’t finally pull back. “Are you hungry?”

She nodded, although she hungered for something far more dangerous than hors d'oeuvres. He pointed to the table, which now held two covered platters.

Everleigh parted her lips. “But how?”

“You were a little preoccupied when they brought it.”

She could only accept the explanation, as they strolled hand-in-hand to the illustrious display. Yet something didn’t quite fit as they reached the gleaming table and two throne chairs that flanked it. She sank into dewy softness and placed a delicate lace napkin on her lap.

He lifted the silver covers to reveal a variety of savory appetizers, including buttery pastries, herb-covered breads and creamy cheeses.

Everleigh’s mouth watered as he lifted a pastry to her lips.

Biting into the masterpiece of cheese and spice, she couldn’t stop a small sigh. “This is delicious.”

“Would you like another?” Before she could respond, he offered a piece of artisan bread smothered in garlic herb butter, hot, crusty and delicious.

She closed her eyes as she finished the delight.

Before she could open them again, another bite graced her lips, even as overstimulated senses cried for release.

She was being seduced, and she didn’t know how to stop it.

Or if she even wanted to.

Yet she had to find strength, somewhere beyond this enchanting night. “That’s enough,” she whispered as he reached for another piece.

He hesitated, but heeded her request. “Would you like to dance again?”

There was nothing more dangerous than surrendering, but her lips wouldn’t form the denial. Instead she nodded, and he swept her up once more, her cheek resting on his chest as he held her tight. Nothing had ever felt so perfect, so right.

Until a voice pierced their world. “Alexander.”

The spell shattered. Everleigh jerked away, as the intruder stepped into the clearing.

With hair spun like gold, flawless skin and full red lips, the woman was exquisite, a creature of almost impossible beauty.

Her long ivory gown shimmered like pearls, and she dripped in diamonds.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, Alexander.” Soft, sweet and melodic, her voice was as beautiful as her visage. “We must talk.”

Alexander’s expression darkened, as he stared at the beautiful woman. He didn’t even look at her. “I’m sorry, but I must speak to Brynnlee in private. This involves vital business matters.”

“I see.” Fiery heat engulfed her, yet somehow the words emerged with dark calmness. “I wouldn’t want to impose. I’ll see you around.”

If she expected an apology, a reasoning behind why he was summarily dismissing her after seducing her to near surrender, his response wasn’t even close. “All right.”

She considered tossing a potted plant on the ground in anger, but he’d probably catch it with one hand, then have her arrested for assault with fauna. She notched up her chin, pivoted and stormed off toward the building.

She slowed her breathing, and her steps, as she approached the doorway.

This was good, excellent even. He clearly wasn’t searching for a relationship, at least not with her.

Perhaps he wanted her more pliable when it came to the company, or maybe he considered her a challenge.

No matter what, she didn’t need him or his capricious attention.

Yet she didn’t deserve this. Her steps faltered, then stopped altogether. Why was she running away like an obedient underling? And who was this woman who stole his attention? She pivoted.

Yet marching turned to walking and walking to creeping as she neared the golden couple.

She padded softly over the ground, slinking behind a row of spindly bushes, hiding the bright red dress that stood out like a ruby against the lush emerald backdrop.

There was no audible conversation, and her fury deepened.

Apparently, they didn’t need talk for what they were doing.

Scoundrel.

She edged further into the prickly bushes.

Twigs scratched her arms like miniature swords, scratching sensitive skin as the heavy scent of grass filled her nostrils.

Her breath caught as the couple came into view, standing exactly where she’d left them, not moving, not talking, not doing anything that would invite a flying potted plant.

Maybe they were whispering so low she couldn’t hear them. Still, she should at least see their lips move. She moved a little closer…

Something tore.

She tensed, shifted, as tearing sounded again. Then she couldn’t move at all as a thorny prison captured her, locking her in place. Tiny, pointed needles clutched the gown in multiple locations, and any movement only pushed her further into its grasp. The dress was irreversibly caught.

Alexander may see her naked after all.

There is grave trouble. The words came telepathically, as had the entire conversation with Brynnlee, a powerful enchantress who wielded almost as much power as him. The tornado was bad, but the magic show wrought suspicion like nothing before. Even the government no longer believes it’s a hoax.

Muscles seized. It was a magic show.