“Yes you are. We’ve hardly seen each other lately and when we do it’s like you couldn’t care less to be around me. And I still can’t understand why you wanted Taneea here. It’s not like she’s family.”
He pulls his hand from my grasp. “I just did, okay? It’s my house. I can invite who I want. And for the record, the Guthries aren’t actually family either.”
Though true, his words hit like a sucker punch to the gut. A gush of breath whooshes out my lungs. “Yeah, but you don’t have to be a jerk about it.”
“I’m not. I’m just stating the facts.”
I shake my head. “Wow. I know things have been hard with the Beaumont Curse still hanging over your head and Missy’s death reminding you of your mom. And it’s pretty clear you’re still ticked about what I said about your dad and Missy. I’m sorry I hurt you, but I can’t sugarcoat what I think. Maybe some couples do, but that’s not us. We’ve always been honest with each other.”
“Why do you have to bring my father into this again? The coroner’s report said Missy died from natural causes.” His eyes are icy.
I level my gaze. “Are you kidding me? After everything we’ve been through this summer, why are you so willing to take things at face value? Can’t you see the weird similarities between your mom’s death and Missy’s? And don’t you think it’s strange that your dad doesn’t care enough about her memory to at least keep her grave cleared?”
He runs his fingers through this thick, golden-brown curls. “How am I supposed to know? I’m sure he’s got his reasons. It doesn’t mean he’s a murderer.”
I search his face. It’s rigid, almost fierce. And not my Cooper. I recoil. “Since when did you start defending Beau?”
And then a devastating thought hits me, sending a chill over my body even though it’s nearly a hundred degrees. What if the Beaumont Curse is starting to set in early? Cooper’s birthday is four days away, but no one ever said there was a precise start date to the curse, only that it would take hold when Cooper came into his manhood. What if that’s now?
I yank open the top button of his shirt.
“What are you doing?”
“Checking something.” I reach in and grasp the mojo. Clutching the small bag in my palm, I close my eyes and breathe deep, clearing my mind of all negative thoughts. Its electric energy flows through me, dancing up my arm and through my heart. Its power is strong. At least for now. I pull back my hand.
He looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. “You done?”
I nod. “Yes. You haven’t taken that thing off have you?”
“Just to shower. Why?”
I consider sharing my suspicion but given the situation, it’ll likely only add insult to injury. I know I promised to be honest with him at all times—and I fully intend to—when I’m absolutely sure I’m right. “Just make sure you wear it. It’s still working so it should protect you from all forms of black magic. But still, we can’t be too careful. Your birthday is really close.”
“Yeah. I know.”
I grab both his hands in mine and peer straight into those cool gray eyes. “Hey, you promised you wouldn’t give up without a fight. I need you to stay focused.”
He blinks. The creases in his brow relax and his gaze softens. Gently, he grasps my hands, entwining my fingers in his. My shoulders ease. He’s my Cooper again. “I will, Emmaline. I don’t want to lose you. Or myself.” He smiles, and then dips his head to place a kiss on my knuckles.
Warmth spreads over my chest. “Miss Delia and I are going to break the curse. I promise.”
I sincerely hope it’s the truth.
We hop off the cart and walk hand in hand up the path to the Big House. Cooper’s muscular hand feels warm and strong against mine. I’ve missed this. After we’ve figured out this curse thing, we’re definitely going to have to spend more time together.
As we make our way up the driveway we pass a string of fancy luxury cars. Some of Missy’s friends have decided to show up for the reception after all. Figures. Why bother with the sad funeral when you can party instead? Then I notice the shiny, vintage Lincoln. A pit forms in my stomach. Claude’s here. What a way to make the day go from bad to worse.
I point to the car. “Why do you think Claude’s here today?”
He shrugs. “Who knows? My dad’s probably mixing business with personal stuff. As usual.”
“I don’t like him.”
“My dad? Who does?”
I chuckle. “No, Claude. There’s something not right about him. And I think it goes beyond his museum investigation.” I’d say more, but I’m not sure Cooper’s ready to hear the full depth of my suspicions. Plus I don’t have any real proof.
“You’re just being protective of Miss Delia. But that’s what I love about you. You’re always thinking of everyone else.” He stops and cups my face in his palms, then plants a kiss on my lips. It’s nothing like that pathetic, robotic kiss he offered earlier at the gravesite. This time his soft lips yield to mine and send waves of tingles over my flesh. I reach my arms around his back and caress his broad muscles.
I suddenly realize we’re in the middle of the walkway that leads to the Big House, in full view of anyone who might look out one of the many front windows. Even though we’re dating, it’s probably not what a bunch of mourners are interested in seeing. I pull away slightly, just enough to break the kiss.
“Listen, we better save this for later. Someone might see us.”
He wipes my bottom lip with his thumb and smiles. “Who cares?” His half-veiled eyes are so gorgeous I can barely stand it.
“I don’t. But what about your dad or his guests?” I catch my breath.
“What about them? You’re my girl, Emmaline. If I want to kiss you in front of the whole state of South Carolina, I will.” He steps close and plants an even deeper, hotter kiss, causing my head to swoon and legs to wobble. His scent, a mix of fresh, piney deodorant and salty sea air envelops me, nearly dragging me under. I reach my arms around his neck and give in as his tongue grazes mine. Turning his head, he trails a line of kisses along my jaw, making his way to the soft spot just behind my ear. My skin sizzles with energy.
But then another strange sensation makes its way up from the nape of my neck, pricking my scalp as it makes its way to the crown. A deep sense of foreboding constricts my chest. Suddenly the pricks intensify until it feels as if a thousand needles are jabbing at my head. My eyes fly open.
Taneea’s standing in the window, staring at us, her arms crossed, and a scowl on her pink lips.
Talk about a buzzkill.
Feeling like I’ve been caught with a forbidden box of chocolates, I gasp, then unlock my hands from around his neck and step back. Which is totally ridiculous because he’s my boyfriend for cripes’ sake. We weren’t doing anything wrong. In fact, people in a relationship are
“What’s wrong?” Cooper gazes into my eyes.
“Nothing. Except Taneea’s watching us like some kind of perv.” I gesture to the window behind him.
“For real?” He turns his head to look at the window.
But Taneea must either be able to read his mind or know what’s coming because she loses the scowl and replaces it with a big, juicy, fake grin and waves like an idiot.
He holds his hand up and returns the gesture. “Can you two be nice?” he asks, under his breath and barely moves his lips. “Just for a little while?”
“Sure, so long as she stays out of my way.” I laugh.
Squeezing my hand, he pulls me toward the front porch steps. We climb them together, our legs in perfect tandem, then push open the double doors.
Once inside, I set all those mushy-gushy feelings aside and start scoping out for Claude. And, while I’m at it, for Taneea, too, if only to avoid whichever room she’s in. She’s not in the front parlor and the foyer is empty. The sounds of chatter and tinkling glass carry from the end of the hall. Everyone must be in the Great Room. Cooper and I follow the sound, our hands entwined, ready to get the last part of this day over with.
Beau’s reclined in the crook of a sofa, doing his best imitation of a grieving husband for the assembled
