go along with his power. He was a hell of a catch and she couldn’t figure out how he still remained unhitched. Surely many witches had tried to hook him?
He broke off their heated kiss and sprang to his feet. “I think we should forget about lunch and move to a more private spot.”
She groaned and got slowly to her feet. “We’ll have to bike home, because there isn’t anywhere private in this area.”
He eyed her impishly. “What’s that over there?” He pointed to a spot directly behind her. Slowly, she turned with apprehension building in her gut.
“Oliver, what did you do?” she asked, as her gaze settled on a quaint cottage not twenty feet from them.
“I didn’t do anything. I merely used my talents to make us a little love nest. I hope it didn’t upset you. I know most warlocks and witches haven’t reached the level of conjuring dwellings like that one but I figure if you can do it, you might as well—do it.”
“You need a zoning permit, a building permit and, and… You didn’t go through the right channels, Oliver. They might go after you for this— If they allowed every witch and warlock this sort of carte blanche, well…”
His laugh rumbled through the clearing. “Has anyone ever told you that you worry too much?”
“I’m not fretting needlessly. You might get into hot water over this.”
“I’ve bought this tract of land, Dallas. When I came to Earth I knew I wouldn’t be able to squat at Redgrave House forever so I used what money I had and I bought this portion of land right by the sea. I loved the area and it seemed perfect for what I needed. I might improve the house a bit in the future but for now, it should do us just fine.”
Her heart thrilled at his words. He’d just said “us”. Her face bloomed with redness.
“Well, Dallas, I do believe you are blushing. At least I hope you’re blushing. You’re not angry about my plans for our future, are you?”
Slowly, she shook her head. She couldn’t say anything because a huge lump had formed in her throat, choking her up. He had accepted her into his life.
“I love it,” she said, flinging herself at him. He picked her up and swung her around. “Will it be as strong as any house built from the foundation up?”
The sun was setting. Soon it would be pitch-black out here.
“I did build it from the foundation up.” He chuckled.
“You know what I mean,” she said, as they both regarded the house that was, for all intents and purposes, theirs. “Why don’t we go in and see if the bed works?” she asked mischievously. “That is if you conjured a bed?”
“Are there shape-shifters on Vanguard?” he asked in a matter-of-fact tone, earning a puzzled look from Dallas.
She tilted her head. He chuckled again. “That’s a yes,” he said. “To both statements.” He gave her a wink and scooped her up into his arms. “We should cleanse inside the house by carrying you over the threshold.”
She rolled her eyes. “That’s just an old wives’ tale.”
“Are you sure of that?” He kicked open the door and carried her into the small homey interior, shutting the door behind them. Though the house was small in comparison to her family home, the ceilings were high enough so he wouldn’t have to stoop to stand upright or go through doorways, as his six-foot-three frame usually overwhelmed most small spaces.
“I guess we’ll be able to stay here when Anya arrives. This way we won’t get on each other’s nerves.”
“Let’s talk about my sister later,” he mumbled. “Right now, I just want to focus on you.” He carried her through the living room to the first bedroom and gently plopped her down on the bed. Quickly, she rid herself of her leather jacket and tossed it across the room. She reached for him. He tumbled toward her and kissed her again, making her drunk on the passion sizzling between them. Her clothes felt heavy against her skin. She knew she wanted them off as fast as possible. He pulled away from her and stared at her intensely. She shivered beneath the scorching heat of his gaze and became a bit self-conscious. He was looking at her in such a strange way.
“This spot does have some gorgeous views.”
He smiled at her, the kind of dazzling smile that made her warm from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. She