Mandy didn’t look any less furious, but her gaze never left his hand. He accommodated her by sliding the cloth over his skin more slowly, finding spots to touch low on his stomach. He would’ve found even more interesting places to rub if he felt she’d believe paint could’ve reached there.
“My family did have cats, so I’ll clue you in on a cat fact. Cats get even. Deimos won’t forget that you dunked him in the water, and when you least expect it he’ll . . . well, just watch your back, Maguire.” There was a hint of gleeful satisfaction in her voice.
“Deimos?” He laughed as he turned toward her. “What kind of cat name is Deimos?”
The cat hissed at him, but he ignored Deimos as he looked at Mandy’s shoes. Great. Just great. Her shoes were spattered with Dynamic-Red, too. At least the color matched the temper he saw simmering in her eyes.
“I’m sorry about your dress. Make sure I get the cleaning bill.” He sensed she felt he hadn’t offered nearly enough compensation. Maybe he should offer his head. Not a good idea. She might take him up on it. “Let’s go into the castle. I can at least clean up your shoes.”
Her narrowed gaze said that Deimos wasn’t the only one who wouldn’t forget this. “Fine. But I don’t have time to change. How will I explain this to Mr. Holgarth?” She gestured at her paint-spattered dress.
A polite cough drew their attention to the drawbridge and the man standing there.
“You will simply explain that you always sweat blood for your employer. An admirable employee trait, I’m sure.” The man strode to them and offered his hand to an openmouthed Mandy. “I’m Holgarth, and you are Ms. Harcourt, I assume.”
“Yes, I’m—”
“You’re late, Ms. Harcourt. I do insist on punctuality. So if you must play in the water, please refrain from doing it on company time. Now, if you’ll follow me, we’ll go inside where it’s cooler.” Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked toward the castle.
From where Con stood, it seemed like Mandy’s eyes took up half her face as she turned to look at him.
“Tell me he’s not dressed like a wizard.”
CHAPTER ♦ TWO
“A wizard with a law degree? Scary concept. What does he do if a jury doesn’t buy his closing argument?” Amanda stared at Holgarth’s back as he led them across the outer courtyard. “No, don’t tell me. I don’t want to know.” She paused as Holgarth approached the massive castle doors. Con and Deimos stopped beside her.
Amanda would keep concentrating on Holgarth. She would not think about Con’s explanation for what he’d done ten years ago. The past had to stay in the past.
Con pulled his black T-shirt over his head, covering that yummy chest. “He’s a lawyer. He’s a wizard. He multitasks. What’s the big deal? Oh, and your jury question? I think we’re talking a sudden jump in the frog population.”
She looked to see if Con was laughing. He wasn’t. “You’re kidding, right?” Amanda glanced down at the cat who looked back at her with a contemptuous unblinking stare. “And what’s with you, cat? Why’re you still here?” Deimos didn’t deign to answer.
Con moved closer, touching her with heat and his remembered scent. Oooh yes, it was all coming back to her now, along with the wonder of his black rose. Taking a deep breath, she moved away from him. She didn’t need to be anywhere near the sexual force field he created so easily.
“Holgarth was wearing that blue robe and pointed hat the first time I met him. He said he was a wizard, and as long as he keeps paying me, he can be the tooth fairy for all I care. Hey, I’m open to all kinds of possibilities.” Con speared her with an intent stare. “See, we have something in common. We both agree it’s all about the money. But as far as possibilities go, you need to be way more flexible.”
Amanda shrugged away a momentary twinge of guilt. She’d sort of lied about the money thing. If she were really honest with herself, she’d admit it was about acceptance. Everything in her life had been about acceptance. And coming back to her hometown to do a high profile job like this was the ultimate feel-good moment. She’d never admit that to anyone. Most of the time she didn’t even admit it to herself.
“I’m not inflexible. I’m just focused on my goals. And wizards don’t fit into my career planning.” She narrowed her gaze on Holgarth, the walking stereotype. Sheesh, he even had glittery suns, moons, and stars on his tall conical hat. Amanda blinked as he pulled what looked like a wand from beneath the folds of his robe. “Is that a wand or a new kind of mosquito whacker?”
Con didn’t have a chance to answer. Holgarth raised his wand and a crack of thunder shattered the perfectly sunny day. The castle doors swung open and Holgarth swept inside with a majestic swish of his robes. He didn’t glance behind him to see if they followed.
Amanda did some mental eye-rolls. Give me a break. So the castle had a few neat special effects. Once inside, she turned in a slow circle, trying not to be impressed by what she assumed was the great hall. The vaulted ceiling, the huge fireplace, the raised platform for the lord’s table. Yes, the room had lots of potential. And thank the gods of good taste, there was no red, lime green, or neon orange anywhere in the room. Just pristine white walls. It was Con-free for the moment, and she intended to keep it that way.
“I didn’t need the wand, you know,” Holgarth said.
“What?” She turned to look at him.
“I do so enjoy a dramatic moment, but I really didn’t need a wand to create the thunder or open the doors.”
