The Hidden Legacy

the magicks if it became necessary.”
“Well seducing him into forgetting would be a lot more fun.” Rowan gave me a playful jab with her elbow.
“Too bad I’m way out of practice.”
Rowan’s eyes grew wide. “Seriously? Honey when was the last time you got laid?”
“Maybe you could say that a little louder, cousin. I don’t think the people across the street heard you.”
In response, my cousin threw back her head and let loose a cackle like the Witch she was.
***
I did something I never did. I had drinks during work hours. Our lunch had consisted of appetizers and a couple of chocolate martinis. Feeling very relaxed, I gave my cousin a hug goodbye and walked the short distance back to the office a few hours later.
Henry was out, but I soon discovered that Edmund had been waiting for me. He pounced as soon as I shut the door, and started to lecture me about putting myself at risk the day before.
“It was my mother,” I interrupted him. “Would you have done any less for yours?”
Edmund opened his mouth to argue, then shut it.
“We have a bigger problem at the moment.” I sat in my desk chair and briefly explained to Edmund the interrogation I’d faced that morning.
“Shit,” Edmund said, and began to pace.
“Exactly.” I nodded. “When Rowan dropped by to check on me I took her up on her offer of lunch.”
“I got your text as I was pulling in the parking lot.” Edmund ran a hand through his hair. “Imagine my surprise when I walked in and found Henry staring off into space.”
“He was lucky Rowan was in a playful mood.”
“Sweet tap-dancing Christ on a pogo stick!” Edmund took in a deep breath and tried for composure. “I’m gonna strangle Rowan, the very next time I see her.”
“All things considered, he got off easy,” I reminded Edmund. “You know there are traditionally three options when an outsider stumbles across my family’s talents, or starts making accusations.”
“I know, I know…” Edmund shut his eyes. “Deflect and distract. Charm your way out of the situation, or—”
“Or go for the big guns and lay a magickal smack-down on the accuser,” I finished.
“Smack down?” Edmund’s eyes were round. “Sweetie, how much did you have to drink?”
I put my shoulders back. “I only had two martinis. I am not intoxicated.”
“I’ll try and run some interference for you with Henry,” Edmund volunteered.
“You can try.” I shrugged. “It’s up to Mr. Walker whether or not he chooses to let this go on his own, or if I end up encouraging him to.”
“Whoa, black magick woman.” Edmund grinned.
“That’s not funny,” I snapped. “You know I’d move heaven and earth before I resorted to casting a major spell against someone.” Or used my sexuality as a weapon, I thought. Even though Rowan had suggested it, that was a line I really didn’t want to cross. Not ever.
Feeling miserable at the prospect, I forced myself to focus on the business at hand. The rest of the afternoon passed slowly. Edmund had a hot date, and I promised I would stay and lock up.
“I’m expecting a delivery around four o’clock,” he said for the third time. “The new hard drive for my computer.”
“I know. When it arrives I’ll take it upstairs and put it in your apartment.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it.” He stopped, spun, and held out his arms. “How do I look?” he demanded.
“Hot,” I said, admiring the dark slacks and crimson dress shirt he’d left unbuttoned at the throat. “So is this the third or fourth date?” I asked.
“Third,” he answered, distracted as his date pulled up out front. I watched the tall, blonde man park his car. Edmund whistled appreciatively as his gorgeous date smiled and waved at us from the driver’s seat. “I’m going after that like the rent is due, tonight,” he said.
“Have fun.” I grinned. “Play safe.”
Edmund dropped a casual kiss on my cheek and was out the door. I felt a little maternal as I watched them drive away.
Edmund’s computer part arrived right before closing, so as soon as I had everything shut down and locked up, I hitched my purse over my shoulder, and carried the box up the stairs. Fishing my key chain out of my bag, I let myself in Edmund’s front door.
Package delivered, I was re-locking his apartment door when the scent of the harbor rolled over me, and goose bumps rose on my arms. “Hello Henry,” I said, and braced myself for another confrontation.
I felt his hand on my shoulder and he turned me around to face him. He searched my eyes, as if by staring long enough, the answers he’d demanded earlier would somehow be there. “What is it about you?” he asked softly.
I inhaled and got hit with a new scent: patchouli and musk. What I detected wasn’t his aftershave, it was a clairolfactory experience. The scent was earthy and rich, and it had my heart slamming in my throat. For me this fragrance meant one very specific thing: Sexual desire. As in his—for me. I was a little alarmed, because the desire was already in play naturally, and not as a result of any casting I’d done.
I gulped. “What do you need, Henry?” I heard myself say, and had a second to think that it was probably the stupidest phrase I could have uttered.
“Answers,” he said, reaching out. He sank a hand in my hair, slid his fingers back and cupped the base of my head. Slowly, deliberately, he pulled me up to him, allowing me plenty of time to pull away—or to say no.
I didn’t.
Our eyes locked, held, and his stayed open as he pressed his lips to mine. Captivated, I stared up at his bright green eyes. He kissed me again, catching my bottom lip with a softer kiss and I trembled.
I tipped my head back and my eyes drifted closed. This time when he lowered his mouth, his tongue teased my lips open. With a sigh, I rested my hands against his chest as