Spell Cat by Tara Lain Page 0,10
building and drove away, I saw another man come out and look after him. The guy seemed really upset, but I don’t know why. Actually, the blond guy with the hair and the cat seemed pretty wigged out too.” He giggled. “Crazy enough to shake his cat.”
“Just keep watching, Mr. Jones, and don’t let anything escape you. Is that clear? A lot depends on this.”
He swallowed hard. “Yes, sir. I’m on it big-time.”
“See that you are.” The line went dead.
Jonesy pushed End just to make sure the guy wasn’t still on the line. “And have a good evening to you too. You’re doing such a fine job, Mr. Jones. Keep up the good work, Mr. Jones. Shit.”
He got in his car and checked the address where he knew he’d likely find the cat man sometime soon. He grinned. He had to see what the cat-man-do. Laughing, he drove off.
Blaine pushed into the physics building and walked back to his office—neat, tidy, and tiny. He closed the door firmly. No students. He usually enjoyed them, but he needed a couple of minutes. His phone buzzed, and he pulled it from his pocket. “Genneau.”
“Uh, Blaine?”
“Yes.”
“This is Shel Werksman. We met at the physics department meeting.”
“Oh, right. I remember. Hi, Shel.” What he remembered was a cute guy who looked nerdy but came on like a gay Don Juan.
“Just wondered if you’d like to get a drink sometime—like tonight?” When Blaine didn’t answer instantly, Shel added, “Or sometime when you’re free.”
Do I want to? It might be good to take my mind off— “Thanks Shel, but actually I’m kind of loosely committed.”
“Oh, you didn’t mention that.”
“Yeah. It’s new.” So new it’s invisible.
“Can’t blame a guy for trying.”
“No, thanks for thinking of me.” I just wish someone else would.
“So I’ll see you around, I guess.”
“I’ll be around.”
“Bye.” He hung up and Blaine stared at the phone. WTF?
Picking up a glass sculpture of the globe, he fell into his high-backed desk chair and rotated the smooth glass ball. It always helped him think. What am I up to? Why am I chasing after this weird history professor? Yes, weird. Hair, cat, motorcycle, witchcraft. Case rests. But so pretty. Is that it? Just because the guy is uniquely beautiful?
Blaine wasn’t usually all about looks. Hell, he loved to stare at the pretty boys as much as the next guy, but that wasn’t the criteria for a relationship or even a date. He liked smart men. Of course, the Barth guy qualified there in a big way, from what Blaine could tell. That was some lecture today. Blaine loved men with open, inquiring minds who liked to explore new ideas. But witchcraft? C’mon. He grinned. Yeah, he could be a little stuck in his ways sometimes, so he loved being challenged. It kept him fresh. God knew, Killian was challenging. In fact, he kept running away—and Blaine was chasing. Not usually his style.
He leaned back in his chair and stuck his feet on the desk. He was no Greek god, but he’d been out and proud for a long time and usually could find guys who liked him and wanted to be with him. Like Shel. No chasing required. He sighed. So why am I single? What do I want that I haven’t found?
No, too big a question. Table for another time. Topic at hand. Why Killian Barth? Hmm, same question. What did this mysterious guy have that made Blaine chase, while he ignored perfectly good men who wanted him? He sat up and put down the globe. Mysterious guy. Yes. Mystery. Blaine was a quantum physicist, for crap’s sake. He loved exploring the mysteries of the universe. Unlocking the unknown was a rush with no equal. No equal except a kiss from Killian Barth.
God, when their lips touched, it felt like lightning in a bottle. He hadn’t gone into the classroom with the intention of kissing the history professor. He’d told himself he just wanted lunch. But seeing those cornflower-blue eyes watch as he petted that black-as-midnight cat had been like peeking into one of those French movies they wouldn’t let him see as a kid. Sexy, but with meaning just beyond reach. A mystery he had to unlock.
He sighed. Apparently Barth didn’t want to unlock Blaine’s mystery. I should give the hell up. That would be smart.
He grinned. Yeah. His mother always said he might be smart, but he didn’t have a nickel’s worth of sense.
Chapter Four
Killian walked into the Ashes to Ashes Club dressed