The Warlock's Enchanted Kiss (Witch Island Brides Book 2) Read online

  A group of men let out a deafening round of catcalls and wolf whistles. “Nice ass!” one of them called. Another said, “I’d hit that. All night long. What do you say, sweetheart?”

  “Leave her alone, boys,” Austin ordered. They made a couple of protests, but quickly went back to chugging their pitchers of beer. Commando, Austin thought as he glanced at Casey’s bare ass again. He would’ve felt bad for her if she hadn’t basically tried to attack him. He grimaced. But why? Had his curse taken on a new dimension? They usually only behaved that way after he kissed them, not before.

  “Holy butt crack!” Brinn pressed her fingers to her plump lips and giggled. “I told you not to wear those leather pants. We’re not twenty-one anymore, Casey.”

  “These pants were awesome,” Casey spat out as she crossed her hands over her rear end. “You owe me a hundred and fifty bucks.”

  Austin slowly started to back up, realizing he should’ve run just as soon as their sisterly catfight had started. But he’d been frozen in minor shock as they’d gone after each other.

  Brinn rolled her eyes. “Good luck with that.” Then she waved a hand, and a spotlight appeared out of nowhere highlighting Casey’s unfortunate wardrobe malfunction. Her face turned beet red.

  The deejay’s voice boomed over the sound system. “No need to go outside to enjoy the moon tonight, ladies and gentlemen. We’ve got a fine one right here inside Witchin’ Impossible. Care to take a bow, Miss?”

  “Oh my god! What is wrong with you people?” Casey cried. Then without another word, she hightailed it out of the club.

  “Oh no,” the deejay said. “Looks like you’ll need to go outside to see it after all. If you hurry, you might get two for the price of one.” Laughter filled the club. As it died down he said, “For those of you still with us, time to shake dat ass, but try to keep your pants on. Leave the stripping to the professionals.”

  The music switched to “Baby Got Back,” and five vampires dressed as firefighters ran out onto the stage, two of them already ditching their fireman jackets.

  “That’s my cue.” Austin wasn’t at all interested in sticking around to watch the vamps from down under show off their packages. He turned toward the door but was stopped in his tracks as Brinn pointed a finger at him.

  “Stop right there, Austin McKee,” Brinn ordered. “Now that Casey is out of the way, we can get back to business.”

  Magic brushed over his skin, and he bared his teeth at her. “Brinn Hughes drop the magic. If you don’t, I’ll have that restraining order reinstated.” It had been his only defense seven years ago when she’d started to stalk him. He’d hated to do that because he knew the only reason she kept pursuing him was because of the curse. It hadn’t helped, of course, but at least he’d had it on record if she went all fatal attraction on him.

  “Don’t be such a stick-in-the-mud,” Brinn said, casting him her signature pout. “I just wanted one last fling before I promise myself to Darwin for the rest of my life.”

  “Darwin? Darwin Berry?” Austin asked, remembering the short warlock with the infectious laugh who’d started to go bald just after his twenty-second birthday.

  “Yeah, that’s him.” She grinned. “He’s sweet and adorable, but not exactly the stallion that you are, Austin.” Her hungry gaze swept over him, and he started to feel a little sick. She was engaged to a really good guy. One she probably loved very much. But here he was, with his stupid curse, mucking-up her wedding festivities.

  “I’m nothing special,” he said, trying, and failing, to back up again. Her magic had glued his feet to the ground.

  “Oh, but you are,” she said, moving in closer and pressing her hand to his chest. Her breathing had quickened, her chest was heaving, and lust was oozing out of her pores.

  “Trust me. You don’t want to do this,” Austin said again, this time letting his own magic build inside of him. He didn’t want to force her, but he would if she didn’t give him a choice.

  “I have been dreaming about this day for seven years, Austin McKee. And I’ll be damned if I get married before I get to see what I’ve been missing all these years.” She rose up on her tiptoes, fisted his shirt, and yanked him closer, her lips coming straight for him again.

  Chapter 3

  Oh, hell no. Carrie stood at the end of the bar watching as her most recent bridal client threw herself at Austin. Her Austin.

  And he was just standing there. What in damnation was he doing? Didn’t he realize she was the bride? That she had a fiancé? Surely he wasn’t going to just let the woman ruin her wedding weekend for some random hookup. That wasn’t the Austin she knew. The one she knew didn’t even date. Or was this how he did things? No-strings-attached, weekend wedding hookups?

  An ache in her stomach started to make her nauseated. Carrie could not stand there and watch this any longer. Leaving her drink on the bar, she started to head toward the exit. She kept her gaze on the door, unable to watch whatever was going down between Austin and the bride. But then she heard Austin say, “Brinn Hughes drop the magic. If you don’t, I’ll have that restraining order reinstated.”

  Son of a witch’s curse, Carrie thought. Austin was not a willing participant in whatever was going on between them, and he was in trouble.

  Without any hesitation, Carrie instantly made a beeline toward her best friend and his stalker. But the crowd had gotten larger, forcing her to squeeze between a group of vampires who were clearly out for the hunt.

  “Hey, gorgeous. Gonna let me have a bite of that sweet little neck of yours?” a young-looking one with an unfortunate acne breakout asked as he circled his arms around her waist.

  She sighed. Why did they all turn into jackasses the minute they stepped into the bar? Carrie had met the young vamp two days earlier, and he’d been respectful and as sweet as pie. “Listen Michael, keep your hands to yourself, or I’ll be forced to tell Vanessa over there that you’re sporting a micro penis.” She smiled up at him sweetly. “She’s the biggest gossip in town, so I’d guess your chances of getting laid this weekend will go from about twenty-five percent to less than zero.”

  Michael released her and sprang back, giving her plenty of personal space while his buddies roared with laughter.

  “She told you, Mike,” one of them snorted out just before downing a tequila shot.

  Oh boy. It’s going to be one hell of a night for this group, Carrie mused.

  “Come on, Carrie. Why would you say such a mean thing?” Michael shoved his hands in his pockets. “I was just flirting.”

  Carrie raised one eyebrow and cocked her head to the side. “You call that flirting?” She shook her head and dug a business card out of her purse. After handing it to him, she said, “You need lessons. Call Willow. She’ll teach you how to sweet-talk a woman without making her want to punch you in the junk.”

  Michael glanced at Carrie’s curled fists and covered himself with both hands as he took another step back. “Okay.”

  “You better,” Carrie said. “Because I’m gonna call and check up on you. If you don’t call her within the next forty-eight hours, you’ll probably wake up with a genital rash.”

  “Genital rash?” he cried, his eyes wide with alarm.

  She shrugged.” It happens when people lie too much.”

  The circle of vampires erupted into hysterical laughter as Carrie gave her harasser one last smile.

  “I’ll… um, call right away,” he said meekly.

  She stifled a chuckle. The rash threat almost always worked. No one wanted to wake up to an itchy crotch that didn’t respond to any sort of medication. Turning her attention to Austin, she searched him out and spotted Brinn leaning in for a kiss.

  Oh. Hell. No. Carrie shot forward and stepped right between the two of them, pushing Brinn backward and away from Austin. “Brinn, what’s going on here? Why are you trying to kiss my man?”

  Carrie bit down on the inside of her lip as her cheeks burned with embarrassment. Had she really just said that?
The words had flown out of her mouth before she could stop herself. Goddess above, please don’t let Austin read too much into that.

  Austin pulled Carrie to his side and draped an arm around her shoulders, holding her close. “I tried to tell you I was unavailable, Brinn,” he said, stepping right into the roll Carrie had created for him.

  Brinn’s eyes narrowed as she flicked her gaze between them. Suspicion clouded her big blue eyes. “You two aren’t together,” she said, shaking her head and then peering at Carrie. “You’re not Austin’s type.”

  Carries scoffed. “Not his type? What’s that supposed to mean?”

  She shrugged one shoulder, then ran her hands down the sides of her waist as she gazed at Austin. “He likes his girls taller and slimmer.”

  Austin huffed. “Carrie is perfect just the way she is.”

  Carrie’s insides turned to goo. Perfect. So was he, except for that friend thing he couldn’t seem to get over.

  “You two?” she asked, both eyebrows raised now. “I don’t buy it. A hundred bucks says you haven’t even slept together yet.”

  Carrie coughed as Austin tightened his hold on her.

  “None of that is your business,” Austin said.

  “Right,” Carrie said. “Some things are better left in private.”

  Brinn threw her head back and laughed. “You two are pathetic. You know no one believes you, right?”

  Now that just pissed Carrie right off. If she had her way, she would be with Austin. She believed that if he ever got over whatever his hang-up was, that he’d feel the same way. After their moment in the bookstore earlier, she was more certain of that fact than ever. She’d just have to show Brinn and Austin both at the same time.

  “Oh yeah?” Carrie asked. “Then what do you make of this?” She turned so that she was facing Austin, one hand on his chest as she gazed up at him. Then in the lowest of whispers she said, “I’m going to prove her wrong. Just go with it.”

  His lips formed a tight line as he barely shook his head and said, “No, Carrie.”

  “Yes, Austin,” she said louder and gazed at his red lips, dying to taste them.

  He bent down slightly and whispered in her ear. “Carrie,” his voice was strained and full of regret as he said, “you don’t understand. I can’t kiss you. I’ll explain later.”

  “But what if I kiss you?” she asked, pressing her entire body against his muscular frame. Good gods, his body was everything.

  A tiny, almost inaudible groan escaped him. Then he said, “Anywhere but the lips.”

  “Why?” she asked. Then she pulled back slightly, wondering if this was some kind of pretty-woman thing. Was he some sort of gigolo? Did he subscribe to the kissing-is-too-personal idea?

  “Later. I’ll explain later,” he whispered, his hands tightening at her waist as if he was barely holding himself back from exploring every inch of her.

  Well, if she was reading his signals correctly, and she was certain she was, then he’d better be ready for her. Because despite the fact that they were in a bar surrounded by a bunch of paranormals, she wasn’t going to hold back.

  “I’m waiting,” Brinn said. “Looks like a lot of negotiation for a couple who’ve supposedly been seeing each other for a while.”

  Carrie glanced over her shoulder, gave Brinn a dazzling smile, and said, “Just building the anticipation, Brinn. I hope you enjoyed it.” Then she wrapped her arms around Austin and was certain she was going to combust on the spot.

  How long had she fantasized about this moment? The one when she could finally get her hands on him? Five years. She was sure of it. As soon as she’d gotten her first good look at him. That dark hair, brilliant blue eyes, and kind smile. He was the boy-next-door with the magic fingers. If only he’d use some of that power on her. Carrie’s body quivered with anticipation.

  Hell, Carrie, she told herself. Get a grip. It’s not like you’re going to rip his clothes off right here in front of everyone. She wanted him, but she wasn’t into voyeurism. Still, the way he felt against her as she pressed her pelvis solidly to his already-long shaft made her go slightly crazy.

  Yes, she definitely wanted him inside of her. Soon. Really soon. She’d just have to make this little display count. She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. Then she moved in as if she were going to kiss him on the lips. He stiffened in her arms, and she whispered, “Relax. I heard you before. No kissing on the lips. Got it.”

  He nodded, but nothing about him eased. His muscles tightened, and she smiled up at him, knowing it was the fact that she was touching him that was driving him slightly crazy. She moved in and brushed her lips down his neck, letting her teeth scrape against his skin.

  A shudder ran through Austin’s body, urging her on. What she wouldn’t give to be getting him naked right then. She slid one hand down his back, reveling in the rippling muscles beneath her fingertips. When she pressed her mouth to his pulse, her tongue stroking against him in rhythm with his beating heart, his breath quickened, and his arms came around her waist, plastering her to him.

  She couldn’t help the self-satisfied smile as her hand cupped his ass.

  “Christ, Carrie,” he groaned. “You’re killing me.”

  “The little death comes later,” she teased as she tickled the base of his neck with her fingertips.

  They stared at each other, dark eyes on light, and there was no mistaking the pure lust radiating from both of them.

  “Goodness. I think I need to cool off,” a woman with long dark hair and a southern accent said, fanning herself. “You two need to get it on, stat.”

  “Yeah, they do!” her friend shouted over the music. Then she grabbed the nearest man and started grinding to the beat. He happily obliged, placing one hand on her ass and the other one on her hip.

  A circle had formed around Carrie and Austin, and suddenly someone called for them to get a room. Another instructed them to just get it on already.

  “Brinn! What the hell are you doing?” a man shouted near Carrie’s ear, making her flinch from the intrusion. He stalked past her to stand right in front of Brinn. “I thought neither of us were going to use our magic until the wedding night?”

  A tingle of magic brushed Carrie’s skin then suddenly vanished. The air around her and Austin suddenly turned cooler. Without hesitation, Austin grabbed Carrie’s hand and said, “Come on.”

  Chapter 4

  Carrie gladly followed Austin through the club, barely keeping up with his long stride. But just before they slipped out the door, she couldn’t help but glance back at the bride and groom now having a public argument. No magic before the wedding night? Why? What difference did it make? Then her stomach fluttered as she realized that depriving one’s self of magic wasn’t unlike celibacy. Once you went without it for a while, that first taste is ecstasy. They must be the type of couple to infuse magic into their bedroom activities.

  Carrie eyed Austin as he pulled her across the parking lot. What would he think of that? A little magical spark in just the right place might be just the thing both of them needed.

  He pulled open the door to his truck. “Get in.”

  She climbed in without question. Wherever he was taking her, she was more than willing to go.

  A few seconds later, he was in the driver’s seat, running a hand through his hair. He blew out a breath. “Sorry about that.”

  Carrie blinked. “Sorry about what?”

  “Whatever that was back there.” He put the truck into gear and eased the vehicle out of the lot. “I know you were just trying to help me.”

  “I’m not sorry at all,” she said quietly. “And if you are, then I completely misread your reaction.”

  “No… that’s not what I meant.” He clutched the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white. “You… well, you’re you, and I think it’s obvious to both of us that I’m attracted to you.” His lips curved up into a hint of a smile. “How could I not be?”

  Carrie shrugged. “Most p
eople aren’t. Or if they are, they hide it well. You’re just particularly bad at the acting part. What I don’t understand is the just-friends routine.”

  He sighed. “It’s complicated.”

  “So you keep telling me,” she groused. “Just explain one thing to me. Why is the bride, who by all accounts is madly in love with her fiancé, suddenly behaving as though she can’t keep her hands off you?”

  Gritting his teeth, he made a right turn that indicated they were headed to his place and said, “She thinks she’s in love with me.”

  “Thinks?” Carrie asked.

  “Yeah. Thinks. It’s not real.” He pointed the truck down a long tree-lined drive and finally came to a stop in front of his small craftsman-style home. To the right was his enchanted nursery and a parking lot for his customers. “Thanks for stepping in when you did. That show you put on was quite the distraction.”

  Carrie crossed her arms over her chest and turned to stare at him in the moonlight. “You think it was just a show?”

  He glanced over at her, his gaze sweeping the length of her entire body. When he finally met her eyes, he shook his head. “No. And that’s why I want to explain what’s going on.”

  Explain what exactly? Was she finally going to find out why he’d been keeping her at arm’s length for all these years? “Okay, I’m listening.”

  He reached over and brushed a lock of her blond hair out of her eyes. “I think this discussion calls for a glass of wine. Or maybe something a little stronger.” He jumped out of his truck and before she could follow, he was already opening her door. “Would you join me for a drink, Carrie?”

  Hell yes, she thought. But she just nodded and let him help her out of his vehicle. “Got any dessert to go with that drink?”