She quickly averted her gaze. "Are you trying to mesmerize me?"
He cocked his head. "No, but it would only be fair."
"Fair? How?"
"Because you mesmerized me." He drew her lips to his and gave her a long, tender kiss that told her how special she really was.
Chapter fourteen
Meanwhile, back at home, Gwyneth knocked on the door of the new neighbor who moved into the apartment directly below hers. She had been anxious to welcome her to the building. Since Merry was diagnosed with those Braxton-Hicks contractions and sent home, she was off the hook for a while. Whew.
A petite Asian woman opened the door a few inches and peeked around the opening.
"Howdy, I hope I’m not interruptin' anythin.' I'm Gwyneth—your neighbor from upstairs."
"Ah, I'm pleased to meet you. My name is Lily." She didn't open the door further or invite Gwyneth in.
Puzzled, Gwyneth asked, "I don't normally invite myself, but do you mind if I come in?"
"I..." Lily glanced over her own shoulder, nervously. "The place is a mess. I'm just moving in."
"Oh, you don't have to make no fuss, bless your heart. I don't need no impressin'."
"I—uh, well..."
What a silly woman. Did she think a few unpacked boxes would matter to a neighbor? Lily looked behind her again. When she let go of the door Gwyneth pushed it open, ready to reassure her that her place was no more a mess than any—
"I do declare! What in tarnation happened here?"
Lily hung her head in shame. Gwyneth wandered through the apartment, open mouthed and wide eyed. Scorched furniture and rugs were scattered over the blackened hardwood floors.
"I—I'm sorry. I haven't worked in a couple of days."
"Worked? What's work got to do with it? Unless you're a professional fire bug. In which case, I want to know. I live right over you."
"No, it's nothing like that. I... I have this problem."
Gwyneth took her hand and patted it. As she led her to the charred sofa, she said, "Maybe I can help."
Lily sank down onto the couch. "I doubt it."
"Now, come on sugar, you can tell me anythin' and I won't breathe a word. We all have our little problems."
"Not like this."
"Try me."
Lily heaved a deep sigh. "I might shock you."
"Oh honey. I'm a witch and a phone sex actress. How shocked can I be?"
Lily bolted up straight. "Really?"
"Uh huh. Now come on. Out with it."
Lily bit her lip, then offered the strangest explanation Gwyneth had ever heard.
"I'm a dragon. I sneeze fire. The only cure for it is regular sex. So, I'm a call girl. Because I just moved to this city, I have no clients and haven't worked recently."
