Solstice Sizzle (Pagan Pleasures Book 2) Read online

  This time it will be different, Nova had thought strongly. She was determined it would be so.

  Head high, shoulders squared, she’d walked up to the armoire. The oak wood vibrating with the secrets she longed to unlock. She’d put her hand on the handle, but it wouldn’t open. She rattled the door. Open, open, open, she’d thought frustrated. The lock had a key inside of it. She’d put her hand on the key, but it wouldn’t turn. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Let me know.

  Then she found herself in darkness. A path appeared, one that took her back to herself, in the room, laying on soft cushions, Edi’s voice guiding her, the smell of incense burning and rainforest music playing.

  She’d gotten so close to finding out. “I’ll take an ax to that bloody armoire next time.”

  “No, you will not.” Edi’s voice was firm. She took Nova’s hands in hers, her eyes soft with empathy. “Nova, you have to be patient. If you force things, it will be like how you’ve been repressed. You have to go slowly and gently. It will all be shown to you as you’re ready.”

  Nova wanted to believe Edi. “You’re telling me I’m not ready?”

  Edi sighed and squeezed her hands. “You’re ready for only so much at a time. You’re not ready for what you want, but you will be.”

  “In time, right?”

  “Yes, in time.”

  “Can’t say I agree with this.” Nova wriggled her hands out of Edi’s. Her mentor was lovely, caring, the totally the opposite to her mom, and it was all starting to become too much for her. The emotions, frustration, and the memories.

  “Maybe that’s the problem.”

  Nova sighed heavily. This was all beginning to give her a headache. She was even finding it challenging to make candles, her heart just didn’t seem to be in it.

  “Maybe you could do with a break?”

  Nova didn’t want a break. But maybe that was what she needed. Her head was getting muddled, and so was her heart.

  “Can I buy this?” The man came up and put one of her candles on the counter.

  “That’s the wrong candle for you,” Nova said the words before she realized what was coming from her mouth.

  “Oh… then what do you suggest?” He raised an eyebrow.

  A shiver went down her spine. She didn’t know this man, so how would she know what was the right candle for him? It had happened so quickly. He came to the counter with a candle, and her telling him it was the wrong one. Somehow, she knew it was the wrong candle, instinctively.

  Is this part of my skill? Her skin prickled. Maybe.

  Nova took a deep breath. She tried to keep connected to the intuition that had revealed itself, but it was hard standing so close to his man. His masculine energy melded with hers, even though they weren’t touching. He was sexy hot, well built, strong, taller than her, with shoulders she could rest her head on easily. He had an air of sophistication despite his casual attire—long shorts and a loose shirt with a diamond pattern on it. He was the complete package for a good time. The perfect distraction. And much more enjoyable than the intense meditation sessions with Edi.

  She wanted to know more about him, and looking into his eyes would give her an insight into the sort of man he was. She took a risk and stared directly into his eyes.

  Her breath caught unexpectedly. His dark eyes were an attractive caramel color, and just as tempting as the real dessert. She felt herself being drawn to him. There was a lack of commitment there, she could see it, along with the conflict swirling around in a darker tone.

  Did she want to bother with someone who lacked commitment? If it were a distraction, then she knew her answer was a definite yes.

  She’d been so focussed over the last month trying to find her skill with the Magiks without success, he could be just what she needed. A fling. A sexy time with a man who looked like he knew how to please a woman.

  Exhaling, she managed to pull her mind back into gear. “You want something more like the black candle.” She chose her words carefully. The black candle was for clearing, and there was a lot of chaotic energies she was picking up in his aura. Again, she wasn’t sure why she was saying this candle. Perhaps it was the conflict she’d detected when looking in his eyes.

  Nova picked up the candle he’d put on the counter. She’d detected it as the wrong one, but she’d not focussed on what its purpose was. Her breath quickened. It was the love candle.

  Was he deep down really looking for love, for something more than a fling? A gentle shiver moved down her spine.

  Why would he want this one? She glanced at him. Was he single? He’d been giving off that vibe. She’d been sure he was.

  “You don’t think love is in the air?” His tone was cheeky as he spoke.

  She swallowed hard. Love? No, more like lust. “You looking?”

  “Hmm… well, I’m single.” He raised an eyebrow suggestively at her.

  Nova felt a rush of heat to her face getting the confirmation she needed. And a little bit more.

  Tick, he was single.

  Though, he didn’t say he was looking for love.

  That wasn’t a bad thing, she quickly decided. There could be a simple adult fun exchange between them. Maybe. Depending on how things unfolded. No strings attached. A good way to burn off the frustration of not being able to find her skill, as well as the extra solstice energy as it drew to its peak.

  This year she was beginning to feel it more than in the past. It made her feel uncomfortable like she’d put on an outfit that wasn’t quite right for the season, yet she wanted to wear it anyway.

  She bit her lip before she answered, good, to him being single.

  “You need a candle to help with clearing. You’ve got a lot going on.” She tried to put on her business hat of selling her homemade candles.

  “You have one?”

  “The black candles.” She looked at him sideways. Is he trying to flirt with me? A man standing in a shop like this would more than likely have some ability with the Magiks. He’d know what sort of candle was best for himself. Surely?

  Nova moved over to the where her candles were on display. She put back the love candle and picked up a black one. Straight away she could feel it was the right one for him.

  “You’ve got somewhere to burn this?”

  “I need to sort out my accommodation for the next week or so, but I’m sure it will have a place to burn this beauty.”

  He really had a casual air around him, a sort of don’t-bother-me, don’t try and get me to help you feel. To Nova, it turned her on, which surprised her. Just go with it. The thought had more energy than simply from herself. She tried to ground herself with all the energy which was buzzing around in her aura, imagining it flowing down her legs and out her feet, so she could remain centered.

  “Johan, there’s an Airbnb, The Pearl, it’s just up the road… ocean views, and it’s available. I’m sure Nova will help you settle in,” said Edi, holding up her phone with the accommodation showing on the screen.

  Old emotion threatened to bubble to the surface at the mention of The Pearl. It had been years since she’d been inside, but the memories were strong. It was the last place she wanted to be. She didn’t need any reminders. Edi wouldn’t have known since she was new to around here. Though even now, it had been so long, even the locals could be forgiven for forgetting.

  There was also the distinct feeling that Edi might be trying to set her up with this guy. And that was much more pleasant to think about than old memories. Nova narrowed her eyes at Edi, who despite her only knowing for a month was fast becoming more than a mentor. There was a flash of cheek in Edi’s eyes. She is! She could feel Edi, encouraging her. I don’t need encouragement.

  Yes, you do, seemed to be the response from Edi.

  Nova shifted uneasily on her feet. One thing was sure, she needed to do something about this excess energy, and a swim would be the perfect solution. That and then meditation with her own black candle burning, with perhaps some extra incense like sage just to
be sure.

  “Will you show me this place?”

  It took a moment for Nova to realize Johan was talking to her. She gripped the candle. A feeling of security flowed into her.

  “Sure.” She took a deep breath. Nova wasn’t entirely sure what she’d gotten herself into, but in that moment, she’d decided she was going to see where all this lustful energy between them would lead.

  His eyes softened as he smiled. “Thanks.”

  A warm energy flowed over Nova, causing her head to spin slightly. She enjoyed the sensation and she wanted more. She’d been repressed for so long, that even now her mom had passed, it was still hard for her to follow her heart and the natural desires that burned within her.

  “Here, book into this place, it will be perfect for your R&R.” Edi handed her phone to Johan. “And buy the candle.”

  “Good to see you haven’t lost your bossiness, Edi.” Johan grinned as he took the phone, and started booking the accommodation. “Looks perfect actually.”

  “Just trying to help.”

  “Anything else I should be doing?”

  “Have a good time.”

  “I’ll do that.”

  “Now, Nova, are you able to show him where to go? Maybe you two can have dinner, help Johan start to relax?”

  “You really are bossy.” Nova hadn’t seen this side of Edi. She didn’t care, the chance of spending more time with Johan was sending her senses into overload, and the desire within to burning hot.

  “It’s settled then.”

  Nova wasn’t exactly sure what had been settled, but she felt a shift in the energy. A few extra sparks bolted between her and Johan. She watched him finish the transaction on Edi’s phone. How can he stay so calm and collected? When all she wanted to do was to let her hands explore his body, find the places which gave him pleasure, and have some skin on skin time with him. Maybe run her tongue down his chest.

  “Done.” He handed the phone back to Edi.

  “Pay for the candle when you come in next. Now, off you two go. And make sure you both have a good time together.” She motioned for them to leave with her hands.

  “I’m starting to think you don’t want me here anymore.”

  “Not until our next session. Which by the way, forget about tomorrow, you need a break as well.”

  Nova wanted to leave with him, not to go to that place, but she would just to see what might unfold between them. The problem was, suddenly her legs felt more like jelly, and she wasn’t sure about moving. She also wasn’t used to having such open support about going off with a strange man. Though oddly, she realized he didn’t feel like a stranger. There was a connection between them. More than a simple attraction perhaps. She’d never experienced anything like this before. It was both exciting and a little unsettling at the same time.

  “Coming?” There was some hesitation in his voice. “You don’t have to—”

  “She does,” interrupted Edi. “I mean, no she doesn’t.”

  Nova saw the amusing side of this. If it weren’t for the feeling of the connection with Johan, she would clearly decline the suggestion. “Well, as long as you treat me well.”

  “I’ll make it worth your while.” His response caused her breath to catch in her throat.

  “Just as I like it.”

  He walked over to the shop door, opened it, the bell chiming gently, causing Nova’s skin to prickle pleasantly. He gestured for her to walk through.

  “Oh, polite, too.” She walked through. Nova could feel the edges of her aura fraying under the mixture of emotions that were whirling within her. She was going to have to do something about that. And soon.

  With a glance at Johan, she knew exactly the course of action to take.

  Johan held his breath as Nova walked along the path. She was a beauty. The wind teased the bottom of her dress and an intense desire burned within him to go and do the same. She hadn’t cowered away from him like some women did. She was quietly confident and had an inner strength that was so powerful it made him want her more. He could just feel that they were made to have a good time with each other. Things were working out better than he thought they would. Though, it was early stages yet.

  “I’m parked just around the corner,” he called out as he rushed to catch up with her. Watching her from behind had set his body responding, and he knew he needed to cool it down. It was too soon and way too quick. Nova agreeing to come with him to The Pearl was a very good sign, but more needed to align before any sexy fun times could happen. Fuck, how he wanted them too. So far, this little interlude with Nova had helped him to forget about the mess back in Sydney. And that was a perfect start. Let’s see what will happen next.

  Nova paused at the corner of the building. “The convertible?”

  “Yep.”

  “Nice.” She walked around to the passenger side of the car.

  The car beeped as Johan unlocked it. She slipped into the seat while Johan put the candle safely in the boot. He got behind the wheel. Having a hot woman next to him, one that sent his manly desires skyrocketing, made the whole experience of having a convertible so much better. This was what he’d been secretly hoping for when he’d hired the car, the chance to have a woman by his side while he drove. Power surged through him when he started the engine.

  “So where do I go?” he asked, glancing at her. Nova looked like she belonged there in the car next to him.

  “Turn left on to the main road. It’s just a little way along the beach, I’m not good with distances.”

  Johan forced himself to focus as he reversed the car. She was very much a distraction, and it was hard to get his mind off what he really wanted to do with her.

  He pulled out on to the main road that had brought him to this little shopping center by the beach. It was easy to put his foot down on the accelerator, to try and get a thrill from her. Out of the corner of his vision, he could see her grip on to the seat, and he couldn’t help but smile feeling pleased with himself. So much more thrills to come, at least that’s what he hoped.

  “You’ve heard of the place?”

  She nodded. “One of my friend’s husband is in real estate, and her sister owns it. Besides, this is a small town even though we’re not too far from Melbourne. We more or less know each other.”

  “It felt like a long drive for Melbourne.”

  “Spoken like a real city-ite. Not for us locals.” She laughed. “Lots of people come here as a holiday destination, so we sort of know who’s letting property.”

  “You’ve lived here all your life?”

  “Yes, I love being close to the beach.” She took a deep breath. “It’s cleansing.”

  “It is refreshing.” Though he was a concrete city jungle boy at heart, and this was simply a break for a holiday.

  Another little reminder of their differences.

  Doesn’t matter, he reminded himself.

  It wasn’t a future he wanted with Nova, or any other woman right now.

  Johan shifted up a gear, increasing his speed.

  “Slow down.”

  “Don’t like it fast?” He grinned, glad he could have had this effect on her.

  “No, you idiot, you’ll miss the turn-off.”

  “Oh.” He quickly took his foot off the accelerator. He wasn’t accustomed to having to take directions or being put back in line. He was the hotshot lawyer. Was. A flash of memory of the recent case came to mind, but he pushed it away.

  “Turn here!”

  His mind clicked back into the present. He saw a sign, The Pearl, slammed on the breaks, and skidded into the driveway.

  “Bloody hell, don’t you listen or something?” Nova glared at him, her hands firmly holding on as she swung side to side with the moment from the car.

  “Sorry.” He cursed to himself. “I had a moment.”

  “I see.”

  “Won’t happen again.”

  “Hmm…”

  He cringed. She didn’t sound happy. He slowed right down as he s
teered the car along the windy driveway. He missed the feel of the wind rushing around him and the buzz of having Nova next to him in the car. He’d messed up. Just like that last damn court case. He had no words to say to Nova. As a lawyer, he always had something to say or a retort. Not now. What is changing in me? He had to get his mojo back. Along with his Magik ability as a medium, but that could wait for now.

  Finally, the back of the house came in sight. He pulled the car up at the back door. From what he could tell from the outside, it was perfect. It was secluded enough that he couldn’t even see the neighbors thanks to the trees, and he could hear the waves breaking on the beach. If he wanted a swim, then he didn’t have far to go. The only thing was there wasn’t any shops nearby, but that didn’t matter because he had his wheels.

  Nova got out. “I think she leaves the key over here.”

  “Something about a rock in the planter.”

  He couldn’t believe how casual the owner had been about where the key was located. He got out of the car and walked over to where Nova was searching.

  “Got it.” Nova went up to the modern looking door with long thin glass panels in the front and unlocked it. It swung open, and she walked in as if this was the place she’d just rented for a few days. For a moment, he began to question if all those feelings which were building up in him were just a fleeting thing or in his head. Then he stepped inside. The energy was peaceful. The windows were open, letting the late afternoon sea breeze inside, bellowing out the sheer white curtains.

  Nova opened the sliding door and walked out onto the deck. Johan followed. She rested her arms on the railing, her dress flicking with the wind giving him teasing glances of her long legs. He wanted to go up to her, slip his hands around her waist and hold her close to him.

  He didn’t.

  Just.

  The annoyance he’d detected from her had dissipated. The sensation between them was slowly building again.

  He stood close to her, looking out over the ocean. “It’s stunning,” he spoke quietly. “Perfect view to help relax and forget about life.” Which was really what he wanted to do.