Page 96 of Under Gorse and Stone

“Were there lots?”

He nods sadly. “Including a very nice aqua-blue-metallic Audi. The colour would have suited you. It matched your eyes.”

“That is very tragic,” I say, and my voice quivers. I want to laugh so much. He looks like a big dog that’s done something naughty.

He looks up at once. “Nay. Have I upset you? Ah, I would cut off my claws if that is the way.”

“I—” I clear my throat, so my voice doesn’t shake with laughter. “There’s no need for claw maiming. Why did you do it?”

He watches me, his golden eyes very bright. “You know why. I wished for more time with you. I knew—” He stops abruptly, and I cock my head.

“Knew what?”

“That I wanted to spend time with you.” It’s a little too innocent, but I’ve come to realise that Sigurd might be generous to a fault, but he digs his heels in more than a donkey being made to have a bath.

“So, you bewitched them?”

“Bewitched? Nay. I just let them think their car park was completely empty. I made sure that they had some lovely Harrods Christmas hampers delivered to them as a present from me.”

“Well, I do always say that a hamper makes everything better,” I say faintly.

“As soon as we left those places, the spell lifted, and they would have continued their day merrily hiring out their cars.”

“Including the aqua-blue-metallic Audi?” I ask, tongue in cheek.

He grimaces. “No, that is outside. I had it delivered for you this morning.” He looks up. “Are you outraged, Cary?”

Finally, I break into laughter. When I’ve calmed, his eyes have lightened, and I point my finger at him. “I’m not angry, but I would hate for you to do that again, Sigurd.”

“Sig. I like that nickname. No one has ever shortened my name before, and it is curiously nice. Like a little secret only we possess,” he says.

“Sig, then. Please don’t manoeuvre me into doing things. I like free will and that’s not going to change.”

He nods immediately. “I have felt guilty since the enchantment happened. I like you as you are, Cary.”

“And how is that?”

“Beautiful, wilful, clever, and kind-hearted.”

I flush and take a sip of tea. “And you want me to stay? I would very much like that.” The thought is still incredible that I could have found this remarkable man by accident, and wonder of wonders, he returns my fascination. I’m expecting him to lighten up now that his secret is out, but my heart sinks as he slowly shakes his head.

“No,” he whispers.

“What?”

His hand shoots out, and he grabs my hand as I try to rise from the table. Obeying his urging, I round the table and settle onto his knee. He slides his hands around my waist and nestles his face against mine for a few seconds. This close, his smell is heady and enchanting. We remain that way for a few minutes,the only movement in the room the tiny twinkle of the Christmas lights.

“I want nothing more than for you to stay,” he finally whispers. “But that would not be right.”

I turn in his embrace. “Why?”

“Because I used magic to compel some of this, and I am in possession of facts that you do not know.” He places his finger on my lips. “Please do not ask me. I would give youanything, Cary, but I cannot tell you yet.”

“Are they bad secrets?”

He shakes his head. “Nay, they are the best thing in this world and all the others, but if you knew…”

“If I knew?” I whisper.