Page 8 of Raven in Midwinter

“Explain.”

“You should take your parka off before you pass out from heatstroke.”

After a moment, he said, “Yeah, okay, I am starting to cook.”

When I laughed, I got a smile from him.

Once he was back in only his long-sleeve T-shirt, sweats, and socks, we took a seat on the couch in front of the fire. When I turned to face him, I noted his arched eyebrow.

“What?”

“I like how you always feel like you have to sit me down for things like I’m going to break apart if you scare me.”

“That’s not it. I just want you to hear the whole thing, not pieces. And also, I appreciate that you didn’t go outside and that you’re waiting to hear what I have to say. It means a lot to me.”

He nodded.

“Okay, so a hedge-rider is a witch who travels over a hedge, and hedge, in this instance, means a boundary, specifically one between our world and others. They usually travel to other realms to learn more about their craft.”

“To learn to be a better witch?”

“Mostly to acquire archaic knowledge.”

“And how do they do that?”

“Normally, their bodies stay in one place and their souls roam.”

“You’re talking about astral projection.”

“Yes.”

“That’s real?”

“It is.”

“I love your magic and hate all the rest.”

I put a hand on his cheek. “I love you.”

“I know,” he muttered, covering my hand briefly. “Okay, so you think I’m seeing someone’s soul?”

“Normally, you wouldn’t be able to, so I’m thinking you’re seeing an actual person.”

“Oh, fuck off.”

I couldn’t hold in my laughter.

He shoved me, and I was still snickering on my side moments later. He really was an extraordinary man.

“Sit up and talk to me.”

“You’re the one who pushed me over.”

“Just, c’mon.”

I reached for him, and he took my hand and gently righted me so I was back to sitting beside him.

“Tell me who you think I’m seeing?”