Page 12 of Tea Leaves and Runaway Brides

When we break apart, both breathing hard, she smiles up at me.

"So, want to have dinner tonight?"

8

Emerson

The Lughnasadh festival fills Main Street with the scent of funnel cake and the sound of Celtic music. Darius and I weave through the crowd, his hand warm on the small of my back as we navigate between booths selling handmade crafts and local art.

"This is amazing," I say, stopping at a booth displaying intricate silver jewelry. The pieces catch the late afternoon sunlight, sending sparkles across the vendor's table.

"See something you like?" The vendor asks.

"Everything," I breathe, running my finger along a delicate bracelet with turquoise stones that matches my hair.

"Selwyn makes gorgeous jewelry," Darius says, stepping closer behind me. "Selwyn, this is Emerson. She's new to Sea Glass."

"Ah, welcome," the vendor says with a warm smile. "The turquoise suits you perfectly."

Darius pulls out his wallet. "We'll take it."

"Darius, no," I start, but he's already handing over the money.

"Consider it a housewarming gift," he says, fastening the bracelet around my wrist. His fingers linger on my skin, sending shivers up my arm.

"Thank you," I whisper, admiring how the stones catch the light. "It's beautiful."

We continue through the festival, sharing a plate of mini fruit tarts and watching a group of dancers perform traditional Irish steps. I'm laughing at something Darius said when I hear a familiar voice behind me.

"Well, well, if it isn't our runaway bride."

I turn to see Lady Merla approaching with another woman.

"Lady Merla," I say, feeling my cheeks warm. "How are you?"

"Wonderful, dear. Fleur, this is Emerson. She recently came into my shop." She gestures to her companion. "And this must be your rescuer," she adds, looking at Darius with knowing violet-blue eyes.

"Darius," he says, extending his hand to both women.

Merla studies us with that mystical intensity I remember from the tea reading. "The energy between you two is quite strong," she observes. "The universe is pleased."

Darius and I exchange glances, and I feel heat rise in my cheeks.

"We should let you enjoy the festival," I blurt.

"Of course, dear. But remember what the leaves told us," Lady Merla says with a wink before disappearing into the crowd.

Darius and I find ourselves at the fried dough stand, the awkwardness of the psychic's comments hanging between us. He orders two pieces, and we find a quiet spot on a bench overlooking the festival.

"About what she said," I begin, tearing off a piece of the warm, sugar-dusted dough.

"Emerson," he says at the same time.

We both laugh nervously.

"You first," I say.

He takes a deep breath. "I know we haven't known each other long, but I can't stop thinking about you. The way you laugh, how brave you were running from that wedding, how you light up when you talk about your dreams." He pauses, looking out at the crowd. "I'm falling for you, and it scares the hell out of me."