Solstice Sizzle (Pagan Pleasures Book 2) Page 5

  Just like that, it was gone.

  For a moment, Johan felt an emptiness around him, a touch of regret, then his aura adjusted, and he began to feel more like himself again.

  For fuck’s sake. He got out of bed, grumpy that something like this would put a dampener on what was a damn good day. Stumbling a little in the dark, he managed to find the black candle Nova had made.

  Cleansing.

  Clearing.

  She was right.

  He thought she was being cheeky suggesting this candle. Even though the recent events meant he needed a do some clearing work on his aura, he wasn’t about to admit to it. What just happened meant he needed this candle.

  Could she tell? Was her skill with seeing? He shook his head as he rummaged through the drawers in the kitchen hoping there were matches or a lighter. Even he couldn’t tell what Nova’s skill with the Magiks would be. He pulled out a box of matches and marched back to his room placing the candle by his bed and then lit the two wicks.

  Keep me safe. Keep me sound.

  Keep the monsters from coming around.

  A slender tendril of smoke wove upward from the burning wicks. He wasn’t sure if it would be enough to keep the spirit away, but worst case scenario it would make it a damn sight harder. If it did get the courage to come back tonight, at least there was enough protection so he could wake up before the spirit attempted to enter him.

  Johan took a deep breath, inhaling the smell of the burning candle with a hint of sage. This was going to cleanse him for sure. It was time he tried to deal with what had happened with the last case.

  But first, he was going to sleep. Then tomorrow he was going to have more fun with Nova. See how long that would last, then he would tackle his own issues. The thought of Nova got him thinking about her and her situation. At least he knew his skill, and it was nurtured as he grew up.

  Her mom sure did a bang-up job of suppressing her skill, so it was deeply buried in her psyche.

  He froze. Fuck. Realization flooded through him.

  Was that who was contacting him?

  Nova’s mother?

  No. No. No.

  Johan’s gut twisted. The last thing he wanted was to have to deal with a spirit who was riddled with regret and fear, who basically abused a daughter, and who he was having a fling with, contacting him in an attempt to make peace.

  This is going to ruin everything. He ran his hand through his short hair. He had no idea what to do about this.

  One thing was sure, he wasn’t going to tell Nova.

  One Day to Summer Solstice

  Nova walked into Crystal Sands feeling the best she had for such a long time, carrying a small box of candles and essences to re-stock the shelves. Her sales were doing well, and she accredited it to Edi’s cunning advertising, and perhaps a little help from the energies.

  She glanced quickly around the shop hoping to see Johan. They’d agreed to meet here after lunch. And just as well since she’d well and truly slept in. She was a little disappointed to see Johan wasn’t already there.

  “Morning,” she said brightly to Edi who sat a little awkwardly on the stool behind the counter.

  “So, how did it go with Johan?”

  Nova could feel a deep blush rising up her neck to her face.

  “That good, hey?”

  “Better than that.”

  Edi raised an eyebrow. “Indeed. Well, I’m glad you two got it on.”

  Edi suddenly put her hand on her mouth as if she was going to throw up.

  “You all right?” Nova asked. She rushed behind the counter and placed her hand on Edi, who now looked a little green. There was an extra ripple in Edi’s aura.

  Oh. Somehow, Nova sensed Edi was pregnant. Early stages. About six weeks.

  Edi nodded. Took a deep breath and slowly moved her hand away from her mouth.

  “I see.” Nova rolled her lips wishing she hadn’t said that. She might’ve detected Edi was pregnant, but then telling her that when she more than likely would want to keep it secret since she hadn’t said anything yet was entirely another thing.

  Edi’s eyes widened at Nova.

  Nova felt uneasy for a moment. “Don’t worry I won’t tell anyone.” She was relieved to sense that Edi had at least told Volt.

  “Thanks.”

  “You and Volt are meant to be, this is simply the next step in your journey together.”

  “Just wasn’t expecting it so soon.”

  “That’s the thing with babies, they come into this world when they’re ready, whether or not that’s the right time for us or not.”

  “Apparently so.”

  “You happy about this?” Nova knew the answer, but she had to ask.

  “Over the moon. What can be better than a Beltane baby?” Edi grinned. “Just get a bit of morning sickness, like about noon.”

  “It will be soon over. Besides, I think I’ve just been inspired to make a range for mom and baby.”

  “That’s a great idea. I’ll be proud to not only stock it on my shelves but to also use it myself.”

  Nova embrace Edi. “I’m super excited for you both.”

  “Thanks.” Edi squeezed her back, then pulled away. “First things first. Details about last night.”

  “I don’t kiss and tell.”

  “I don’t think that there was a lot of kissing anyway,” said Edi smugly.

  “Hey! You said to have a break.”

  “And look how good it’s going. You’re coming along better than you realize.” There was a knowing reflected in Edi’s eyes.

  “I don’t know what you mean? I haven’t connected with my skill, it was just… well, you can guess what it was with Johan yesterday.”

  Edi laughed. “I’m glad that taking my advice served you both very well. In more ways than you can imagine.”

  There was a knowing behind what she was saying, and it frustrated the fuck out of Nova not to be able to pinpoint what it was.

  “Don’t think about it.”

  “Your official advice?”

  Edi nodded. “So, tell me, what do you suggest for morning sickness?”

  “Drink lots of water.” She wasn’t overly comfortable about giving out advice like this.

  What if I get it wrong? She still wasn’t sure why she suggested the clearing candle for Johan, and if it was really what he needed? He had selected the love candle. It was respectful how they were intimate together, hot and fun as well, she wasn’t feeling any love. Maybe the candle would’ve helped him feel more self-love? And I stopped him from doing that. Her belly roiled. This wasn’t going to do at all. I’ll just stop giving advice until I’m sure I know what I’m doing.

  “I got that one.” Edi rolled her eyes. “Plus, there’s only so much water I can drink. I’m already having to go to the toilet twice as much as I normally would.”

  Nova moved back around the other side of the counter and opened her box of stock to leave here, trying to avoid answering Edi. I can’t give her advice. She’s preggers, there’s a baby to consider. I’m simply not qualified.

  “I have developed a forest range I thought you might like to stock. It’s my new peace range.” Nova took out a single wicked candle. She’d decided to make smaller candles this time.

  Edi picked up one and smelled it. “Perfect. You really are talented in getting the balance of scents just right. I can smell the pine without it being overpowering. Did you put some frankincense in?”

  “It’s good to calm the nervous system.”

  “And sandalwood?”

  “To banish those pesky negative thoughts that disrupt inner peace.”

  “So, what should I take for morning sickness?”

  “Ginger tea, with a bit of lemongrass.” The words were out before she realized. She’d been too busy unpacking her items, setting them on the counter, and thinking of how proud she was having made them in the last month, and now they were finally ready for the public. It was a big achievement. The realization of what Edi had
done kicked in. The doubt that had gone momentarily returned. “Hey, you tricked me!”

  “Not really.” Edi grinned. “Just helping you to connect to your intuition.”

  Nova paused. She couldn’t help feeling like there was more going on. “My skill, too?”

  “What do you think?”

  “I hate it when you answer me with questions.”

  “And your answer is…”

  Nova shook her head. The doubt pitted in her stomach like a bad meal. “There’s just too much to go wrong.”

  “And too much that can go right…” Edi paused, then took a deep breath. “I did say to you yesterday to have a break, I shouldn’t have pushed you then.”

  Nova shrugged. It didn’t matter in a way, it wasn’t like she was any closer to finding her skill.

  “Before I get you to spill the details of Johan, I’ve got one more suggestion.”

  Nova looked up from arranging the essence in an ordered row. At the mention of Johan, she forgot thinking about her skill, and about her new stock which she needed to work out a price range. Now all she could think of was that Johan wasn’t here.

  “Have you considered making tea? I think it would be a good addition to your range of products.”

  “I have.” Nova took a deep breath. “I just don’t know where to start. Plus, who would buy my tea? And what if I make someone ill?”

  “You won’t because you know what you’re doing. And you just suggested a simple tea to me… ginger and lemongrass. I’m sure you’ll have fun working out the proportions. After all, you’ve got the balance perfect in the candles and essences. It’s not too much different to extend this to tea. Balance is the key.”

  Nova had to admit that Edi had a way of helping her. While she was speaking her fear and doubt started to ebb.

  “Give it some thought. There’s no rush to get the product out. Though, I’d rather drink your tea now.”

  “I’ll see what I can do.”

  “That’s more like it.” She hopped off the stool. “Right, let’s price your items, get them on the shelf, while you tell me what you think about Johan.”

  “No getting out of it.”

  “Nope.”

  Edi picked up a candle in each hand and walked to the corner where the other products were displayed. “I think we can put some over by the window so people can see them when they walk past. And we should take some photos to get them up on the online shop.”

  Nova made a mock noise of pain. “Let’s get this over with.” She was thinking more about having to avoid telling her about Johan.

  Why don’t I? She blamed her mom. But it didn’t feel like that was really the root of why she wanted to avoid talking about him with Edi. Nova trusted Edi, she was one person who knew a lot about her and didn’t judge, and she was genuinely helping her to find her way with the Magiks.

  Nova’s mind immediately thought of him. How great it was with him yesterday, and how there was still so much more she wanted to do pleasure wise with him. An ache of anticipation began to grow low in her abdomen.

  It’s just lust, she reminded herself. Lust not love.

  Though, the way her mind easily slipped to him, she just knew when their time together was over she was going to miss him.

  Johan decided to walk to Crystal Sands via the beach. He kicked off his Birkenstocks when he stepped off the path and onto the sand, picked them up and started walking to his left toward the shop. It was around midday, and the sand already felt warm underfoot. It was soothing. Along with the sound of the waves crashing to his right, and the odd seagull squawking, he moved to walk at the edge of the water, the coolness refreshing on his bare feet.

  A sleep in had served him well, along with a long hot shower, but his nerves were a little rattled from an encounter with the spirit, who he was uncannily sure was Nova’s mom.

  Why do things have to get complicated?

  Since waking up, his mind was working overtime to think of possible solutions to ensure the situation wouldn’t get out of hand with the spirit.

  I’m going to have to talk with Edi.

  He didn’t want to do that. She was great, and there was no doubt she would help him, but he also had a gut feeling she’d tell him he had to talk to Nova about it. He sure as hell wasn’t going to do that. This was a fling. He would be going back to Sydney in a week or so to get on with his life. That’s how long he needed to put the spirit off for and he reckoned he could do that but not without help. He planned to get another black candle or two, some essence, a heap of sage, and a lot of crystals to put around the house. Though, he wasn’t sure how he could buy all of that without Edi becoming suspicious. And she would certainly say something.

  I’ll just tell her I’m clearing. He hoped it would be enough of a lie. He should be clearing. But of course, he wasn’t. This time away was about fun, and nothing else. Though apparently, the nothing else was threatening to be an issue.

  He looked up to his right, to see if he could spot the ugly building Edi had managed to transform into her new shop. She’d done well for herself in such a short time. Living here, away from the concrete jungle of city life, suited her. It wasn’t what he’d put his money on.

  Could I do it?

  Johan shook his head. No way.

  He was willing to stay here for a bit. Have fun without commitment. Then he would man-up and go back and face the music. He told himself by then he would’ve worked out a recovery plan, or at least come close to it.

  He saw the gray concrete building up ahead, then began looking for a path that would lead him up the small sand dune to where Crystal Sands stood proudly. Johan walked out of the water and headed toward the path. It was more labored walking in the soft sand, but he didn’t mind. It was a nice change and got his muscles working.

  Will she be there?

  He reached out with his energy trying to detect her. Yes. She was there in the shop already. His heart skipped, beating with a spike of anticipation that roared through his body. It was going to be hard to keep himself in check until he got her alone. He planned to do that very quickly. No point putting off what they really wanted to do together. Get naked. Have hot, unforgettable sex.

  At the top of the path, he found a tap to rinse the sand off his feet. He walked to the shop, pausing to look inside.

  Yes, there she was.

  His heart hammered in his chest. Fuck he wanted her. Seeing her there, casually talking with Edi, candle in hand, looking hot in a tight lycra T-shirt, and loose harem styled colored pants. Her hair in a loose knot at the back of her head, long dangling earrings that danced as she chatted animatedly with Edi, her hands moving quickly and a grin on her face.

  Suddenly, she turned. She saw him then froze. The smile she gave him made him want to rush to her and take her in his arms. Not wanting to look creepy by staring at her through the window, he pushed on the door and went inside.

  “Good to see you, Nova,” he said casually, surprised he could keep his desires in check. It was years as a lawyer that helped him right now, not exactly how he thought he’d ever be using his skills. Seeing her there, the day after they’d met and jumped into bed, all he wanted to do was to go up to embrace and kiss her. He swallowed hard. That wasn’t fling-like behavior and he knew it.

  Don’t make this into more than it is. The thought only dulled the feelings a little, so he focused on his desires.

  “Slept in?” she asked smugly.

  Little did she know that had more to do with the visit from the spirit than just their hanky-panky sessions.

  “You’re candle worked well.”

  “You burned it last night?” Nova looked surprised. “It would’ve worked better if you burned it while meditating.”

  Johan shifted uneasily. Could she sense what really happened? Why he really burned the candle last night.

  “Sleeping is sort of like meditation.”

  “Not really.”

  “I just have to say… that for Johan to even use it is a
miracle,” interrupted Edi. “He isn’t one to slow down and meditate, let alone take time for himself.”

  “Yeah, I’ve fallen off the wagon. But the candle must have worked because I need a few things.” He ignored Edi’s change in aura. She didn’t believe him. He strengthened the energy walls around him, pushing her away. He got the impression Edi wasn’t about to ask, at least not in front of Nova right now. Lucky. Though, he did get a glimpse that she might be matchmaking under the guise of them just having a good time.

  “That sounds as if the candle might’ve worked better than I thought possible in that situation,” Nova mused.

  “Damn right,” Johan quickly replied.

  “Right, tell me what you need.”

  Johan took a deep breath. Please don’t ask any questions.

  “Incense would be a good start.” He decided to hold back on his list. Start off slow, then act like he hadn’t pre-thought about all the things he was going to need.

  “Over this way.” Edi moved to the shelves by the door, where the incense was arranged. “Sage?”

  “Would be good.” His stomach churned as he walked over to Edi. What he really wanted to do was to stay near Nova. He also knew he needed to get these items—he didn’t want any interruptions when Nova came over.

  “Hmmm…” Edi reached for some sandalwood and ylang-ylang. “These will do, too.”

  Johan didn’t like Edi’s tone. She’s got an inkling. He took a deep breath putting on his lawyer’s armor—metaphorically speaking. Though ylang-ylang was more about spicing up things in the bedroom.

  “I think you’re taking some liberties here.” He was relieved of the distraction.

  “Maybe.” She turned to face him. “You can thank me later.”

  Johan rolled his eyes. “I need some crystals too, and another black candle.” He spoke quietly not wanting Nova to hear. She seemed to have a bit of an uncanny ability to say what was hidden. If the spirit was her mom, he didn’t want her to even get a hint about it.

  “Okay.” She walked over to the center of the shop to the display of tumbled crystals. She started making a few selections.

  Johan rushed over. “You don’t know what I need.”