Sinjin arched a black brow and chuckled as I debated slamming the door shut and hiding out in my room for the next, oh, two years, at least.

aYou look quite lovely,a he said, with that devilish smile, as he pulled his arm forward and offered me a bouquet of red roses. aThese pale in comparison.a My hand was shaking and my brain was on vacation as I reached for the roses but, somehow, I did manage to smile and say, aThank you, they are really beautiful.a But the beauty of the roses didnat even computea"my overwhelmed mind was still reeling from the presence of this man. Man didnat even do him justice; he seemed so much more than thata"either heaven-sent or h.e.l.las emissary.

He was wearing black, just as he had been the night before. His black slacks werenat fitted, but neither were they loosea"in fact, they seemed tailored to his incredibly long legs. And his black sweater did a very poor job of covering his broad shoulders and narrow waist. Even though his body and intimidating height would have been worth writing home about, it was his face that was so completely enthralling and alluring.

Sinjinas eyes should have been the eighth wonder of the world. They were the most peculiar colora"an incredibly light blue, most similar to the blue-green icebergs you might find in Alaska or the Alpine waters of Germany. They almost seemed to glow. His skin wasnat white, but neither was it tana"he must not spend much time outside because it was flawless, without the kiss of a freckle or mole.

His hair was midnight black, so dark that it almost appeared blue. Tonight, it looked longer than I remembered it being. The ends curled up over his collar, which was strange considering Iad only met him the day before and I could have sworn his hair was short. But the strangest thing about this amazing man was that I couldnat see his aura a Iave been able to see peopleas auras for as long as I can remember. The best way to describe an aura is that itas a halo-type thing that surrounds someonea"it billows out of them in a foggy sort of haze. If someone is healthy, his or her aura is usually pink or violet. In those who arenat healthy, yellow or orange predominates. I had never before met anyone who didnat have an aura or whose aura I couldnat see. And what surprised me even more was the fact that I hadnat noticed his missing aura the first time Iad seen him a Of course I had been pretty overwhelmed by his mere presencea"and that dazed feeling that didnat seem like it was going to go away anytime soon.

aMay I escort you?a he asked as he offered me another winning smile and turned his body to show me his proffered arm.

I gulped as I tentatively wrapped my hand around his arm, trying not to notice the fact that he was really a built. Good G.o.d a aThanks,a I said in a small voice as I allowed him to lead me outside.

aAre you forgetting something?a Sinjin asked as he glanced down at me.

aUm,a I started and dropped my attention to my feet, attempting to take stock of myself.

Shoes were on, purse was over my shoulder, nerves were present and accounted for a the only thing Iad forgotten was my confidence, which was currently hiding underneath my bed.

Sinjin stopped walking and turned around. I followed suit and noticed the door to my modest little house was still opena"gaping wide as though it was as shocked as I was that Iad forgotten to shut it. Not to mention the fact that my cat, Plum, could easily have snuck out, if she hadnat already.

aOh my G.o.d,a I started and felt my cheeks color with embarra.s.sment. It had to be pretty obvious Iad completely forgotten how to function in his presence. I separated myself from him and hurried back up my walkway. I glanced inside the apartment and noticed Plum sound asleep on the sofa. I breathed out a sigh of relief. aGood kitty,a I whispered and shook my head at my inattention, closing and locking the door behind me.

aShall we try this again?a I jumped as I heard his voice, shocked that he was suddenly right beside me. I shook the feeling off, figuring he must have been trailing me all along. But, still, there was something a uncanny about it, something that set off my aSpideya senses. I blamed it on my already overwhelmed nerves.

aYes,a I said with a nervous laugh as he offered his arm again and I, again, took it. This time, we made it to the curb where a black car awaited us. It was so angular it almost looked like a s.p.a.ceship. It was the same vehicle head been driving the night before when head gotten a flat tire and had asked to use my phone. He opened the door for me and I offered him a smile of thanks as I seated myself, glancing over at the steering wheel where I recognized the Ferrari emblem.

A Ferrari a seriously?

I had to pinch myself. This just wasnat reala"it couldnat be real! I mean, my life was composed of TV dinners and reruns of The Office. My only social outlet, really, was Christa. Men like Sinjin Sinclair with their fastidious attire and stunning good looks, driving their Ferraris, just didnat figure into the Jolie Wilkins equation a Not at all!

aI hope you do not mind that I made reservations at Costa Mare?a he asked with a boyish grin.

Costa Mare was renowned for its Italian food and even more renowned for the fact that it took months to get a reservation. aYou were able to make a reservation there?a I asked in awe, my mouth gaping in response.

Sinjin shrugged. aAs a rule, I never take no for an answer.a Then he chuckled as if to say he was making a joke. But you know what people say about jokesa"thereas always an underlying element of truth to them. It would not have come as a surprise to me at all to learn that Sinjin Sinclair was accustomed to getting his way.

For the next fifteen minutes, we made small talka"discussing things like the weather, his flat tire, and the history of my friendship with Christa. Before I knew it, wead pulled in front of Costa Mare and Sinjin was handing the keys to the valet. Sinjin shook his head at the doorman who attempted to open my door, insisting that he would do it himself. I couldnat remember the last time a man had opened my door for me. The guys in LA werenat exactly gentlemen.

I took Sinjinas arm and allowed him to escort me into the restaurant, where the staff seemed to fuss over him like he was some great messiah. They led us through a weaving path of tables, polished marble flooring and dimly lit candles, finally designating us to a desolate table in the corner of the room that was surrounded by potted bamboos that acted as a screen from the rest of the restaurant.

aWhere would you prefer to sit?a Sinjin asked me with a polished smile.

aI donat care,a I answered as I waited for him to pull out my chair. He chose the seat with the best view of the restaurant, but I hadnat been lyinga"I really didnat care.

The host, a rotund, short man, who was probably in his late forties, offered us our menus, placing our napkins on our laps, and left us to our own defenses.

aA man should always choose his seat wisely,a Sinjin started, glancing at me with a smirk.

aWhy is that?a I asked, wondering what he was getting at.

He nodded as if he had a long and interesting story he was about to divulge. aIn times long past, it could mean death if a manas back was to his enemies.a aAnd youare still practicing that I see?a I asked with a smile, suddenly feeling increasingly comfortable with him. It was strange because I wasnat a person who was, in general, comfortable around anyone I didnat know.

aIt is my duty to ensure your safety, poppet.a I wasnat sure why but the word apoppeta seemed so familiar to me even though I was sure Iad never before heard it. It was a sudden moment of dj vu, of that feeling that somewhere, sometime, Iad experienced this exact moment. It made no sense but I couldnat help but feel haunted by it all the same.

aWell, Iam sure things are fine in this day and age,a I said, trying to shake off the weird feeling. It wouldnat budge. There was just something so a familiar about all of this. I took a deep breath and started perusing the menu, hoping to change the course of my wayward thoughts. Feeling as if Sinjin were staring at me, I glanced up and found his eyes fastened on me. He didnat even try to hide the fact, and when I caught him, he smiled.

This one was smooth.

aHave you selected your supper?a he asked, his mouth spreading into a wide smile as if he was in on some inside joke that I wasnat privy to.

I swallowed hard, suddenly more than aware that maybe this whole date was just the setup for a one-night stand. That was when it struck mea"thatas exactly what it was. Sinjin was traveling from Britain and he probably wanted to taste everything the U.S. had to offer, including its women. Well, unluckily for him, I wasnat on the menu. I felt my lips tightening into a line and tried to keep my cool. But inside I was fuminga"mainly at my own idiocy. Had I really been out of the game so long that this hadnat dawned on me from the get-go?

aI think so,a I muttered and concealed myself with my menu.

aWhat is on your mind?a Sinjin asked as he pushed my menu down with his index finger, forcing me to look at him. I could feel my cheeks coloring. He had nerve a aNothing,a I started and dropped my eyes.

aPlease, Jolie, do not insult my intelligence.a I took a deep breath. If he wanted to know what was on my mind, he was about to get an earful. aIam not into one-night stands,a I said as stiffly as I could.

Sinjin narrowed his eyes, but the smile on his lips revealed the fact that he was amused. aA wise policy.a So he was still playing this game, was he? aWell, I think you should a be aware of that a well, in case you a in case you aa aIn case I what?a I could feel sweat breaking out along the small of my back. He was forcing me into a corner and that d.a.m.n smile was still in full effect. aIn case you a were, uh, looking for that a that sort of thing.a He didnat drop his attention from my face. If anything, his eyes were even more riveting, challenging. aIs that what you imagined I was looking for?a So he was going to make this tough on me, was he? He was going to make me spell it out for him and embarra.s.s myself? Well, I might not be in his league, but I wouldnat be made a fool of. I was much too smart for that. aWithout a doubt.a aAnd what, pray tell, gave you that impression, if I may be so bold as to inquire?a aI a um,a I cleared my throat and forced myself to look him straight in the eyes. aI couldnat figure out why else youad be here with a with me tonight.a Sinjin took a deep breath and it seemed to take him forever to exhale it. aI see.a aSo, if you are a looking for that, you might as well take me home now a no harm done,a I finished and held his gaze for another three seconds before I picked up my ice water and began chugging it.

aVery well,a he answered and his voice was tender.

I dropped the menu and reached for my purse, feeling something icy forming in my gut as I readied myself to leave. I wasnat angry, no, but I was humiliated. Strangely enough, though, relief was beginning to suffuse me a relief at the fact that I could end this farce and lick my wounds in the comfort and serenity of my house. After collecting my things, I stood up and noticed that Sinjin hadnat moved an inch. I glanced over at him with a question in my eyes.

aWhat are you doing?a I demanded.

aPerhaps I should ask the same of you?a I swallowed hard. aI thought we were leaving?a aWhy are we leaving? We have not even ordered yet.a aBut I thought,a I started before my voice was swallowed up by the fact that I was at a complete loss.

Sinjin smiled up at me and shook his head, pulling out my chair. aPlease have a seat, love,a he said. aYou misunderstood my intentions.a aBut you said avery well,a a I started, even as I took the seat and pulled myself back up to the table again.

aI was simply agreeing with your a.s.sessment of the fact that you are quite opposed to aone-night standsa as you so fittingly termed them.a He smiled again, c.o.c.king his brow. aAnd while I find you to be quite a delectable package, poppet, I am afraid I quite agree with you regarding the more sensual side of our a.s.sociation a for the time being, at least.a So he wasnat looking for a one-night stand? Or maybe he was so smooth, he was masking the fact that he was looking for a quick hookup and head put his plan of attack into action once I was no longer suspicious. I took a deep breath and lifted my menu again, wishing Iad never agreed to this date in the first place. aOh.a aWould you be averse to the notion of a starting over?a he asked and leaned back into his chair as he studied me.

I felt an embarra.s.sed smile pulling at my lips even though I still wasnat sure what his intentions were. Well, either way, it took two to tango and my tango shoes were in a box in my closet, covered with dust. aNo, that sounds good.a aVery well,a he said again and called the waiter over. aMs. Wilkins aa aPlease, itas Jolie.a He smiled languidly. aJolie, what would you care to drink?a I faced the waiter and smiled. aDo you have any Riesling?a The waiter nodded. aYes, maaam.a aA gla.s.s of that, then,a I finished.

aAnd you, sir,a the waiter asked, turning to face Sinjin.

aThe same, please,a he responded.

aAre you ready to order?a the waiter asked us both, his pen poised above the pad of paper like he was about to start a race or something.

Sinjin glanced at me and I nodded, having already figured out what I wanted. aIad like the sea ba.s.s, please.a The waiter scribbled down my order before facing Sinjin. aAnd you, sir?a Sinjin shook his head. aNothing for me, thank you.a aSinjin,a I started, shocked that he wasnat ordering anything. aYou arenat going to make me eat alone?a He smiled. aI apologize, love, but my stomach is a bit finicky at the moment. Would you mind terribly?a How was I going to say no to that? I shook my head and the waiter nodded, disappearing into the kitchen moments later.

aWe can go if you arenat feeling well,a I said.

Sinjin waved away my concern with his long fingers. aI have a bit of a stomach condition and it plagues me every now and again. Nothing to concern yourself with, love.a He studied me for a moment or two and smiled again. aWhere were we?a aUm, I think we had agreed to start over.a He chuckled. aAh, yes, starting over.a His voice trailed as he apparently searched for a new topic. aTell me about your tarot reading business.a I sighed and glanced down at my ice water. The ice had melted into tiny lumps and I submerged each one with my straw as I thought about his question. aWell, as you know, Iam a psychic,a I said. Whether he even believed in that sort of thing was anyoneas guessa"it hadnat been something we established the night before.

aHave you always known this about yourself?a he asked, just as the waiter returned with our wine. Sinjin raised his gla.s.s. aProst!a he said and brought the gla.s.s to his lips as I downed a swallow of the bitterly sweet wine. Before he took a swig, he set the gla.s.s back on the table and glanced over at me again. aWell?a I smiled. aUm, yeah, for as long as I can remember. I could always see things and I just seemed to know things about people. Stuff that I shouldnat know.a I wondered if Iad said too much. Usually men didnat react well to my day joba"thinking I was either a charlatan or a nut job.

But there was no sign of judgment on Sinjinas handsome face. Instead, he just nodded and I couldnat tell if he thought I was full of it or not.

aI know the feeling.a I faced him, my eyes wide, as I wondered what he was admitting. aAre you psychic?a He shook his head. aNo but I have had my dealings with the otherworldly.a So he didnat think I was a liar or a Looney Toon. I breathed out a sigh of relief. And, as the relief washed over me, a feeling of disappointment surfaced. Sinjin might understand me, but it wasnat like he was going to stick around. I mean, he was traveling here on business or vacation or something.

aWhat about you?a I asked. aYouare here for work?a He never took his eyes from mine and there was something in their depths. Something untold, something hidden. It appeared that this man had his own skeletons hanging in his closet. I could tell just by reading his eyes.

aYes, quite so.a aWhat do you do?a He shrugged and finally averted his eyes, lifting his gla.s.s of wine as he trailed the rim of the gla.s.s with his finger. aI own my own company.a aAh, what type of business?a aFinance,a he said quickly, somewhat dismissively, and then leaned forward, seemingly uncomfortable about discussing the specifics.

aAnd youare here for just a little while, then?a I hoped I didnat sound antic.i.p.ative because I was all too well aware that this charade probably wouldnat last longer than tonight. Not when he had a whole life waiting for him in Britain.

G.o.d, what if heas married?

He glanced at me again and didnat respond right away, just continued looping his finger around the rim of his gla.s.s. aI am considering opening an American branch of my company. That is why I am currently here.a He stopped talking for a few seconds and then smiled at me. aPerhaps I will not return to Britaina"for the foreseeable future, at any rate.a I felt something happy burst within me even though it made no sense. If Sinjin decided to stay, that didnat mean wead necessarily see each other again. And even if we did see each other once, twice, or even multiple times, head still have to return to Britain eventually and where would that leave me?

I shook the feelings of elation right out of me. I was getting way ahead of myself. And truly, I was just being silly, setting myself up for disappointment.

THE JOLIE WILKINS SERIES.

Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble

Toil and Trouble

Be Witched (novella)

THE DULCIE OaNEIL SERIES

To Kill a Warlock

A Tale of Two Goblins

Great Hexpectations