Page 27 of Forever Found

She was trying to prepare herself for the taste when David walked back in. “That bad, huh?”

“Smell it.” She held it out. When he took a whiff, he coughed.

“You’ll need a chaser.” He went to the refrigerator. “Coke or ginger ale?”

“Coke.” It had a stronger taste, but it was about to be ruined. She held up the dropper. “Get it ready,” she instructed, indicating the soda.

He popped the top and held it out. Holding her breath, as well as her nose, she counted out six drops under her tongue, closed her eyes, forced it down her throat, and snatched the Coke from his hand. It took a second for her to realize the potion didn’t taste bad at all; it reminded her of cherries. She breathed a sigh of relief. “It only smells bad. The taste is okay.”

“Good. I’m glad.”

She stepped forward, planted a kiss on his mouth, and turned away. “I’m going to put this in my room.”

With far more energy in her step than what should have been there considering a demon was after her, she danced into her bathroom and set the bottle on the counter beside the sink. She paused, looking in the mirror. Had she taken a magical potion made by a witch? What had she been thinking? Was there a blue sheen to her eyes? She leaned in closer to the mirror to examine the whites of her eyes. Nora had joked about turning her into a frog, but what effectwouldthe potion have on her? All medications had some sort of side effects. Did potions?

When she went back out to the family room, David had a fire going. “Come sit for a while before we make a plan for the day.”

“I’d like that,” she said, following him to the sofa. She sat, getting comfortable. He handed her a mug of hot chocolate and joined her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. She leaned against him, enjoying the feel of his muscular chest and arms around her. He felt strong and safe.

The heat of the fire warmed her, the crackling sound comforting and familiar, and his presence gave her peace. She fell asleep right there in his arms.

When she awoke, she was alone on the sofa. The fire had dimmed to a glow. She wasn’t quite sure about the time. A faint memory surfaced—one of David, covering her with a throw. A warmth settled in her chest. She liked how considerate and caring he was beneath his hard exterior. He’d pulled the blanket over her, then whispered something she couldn’t remember. But she did remember sighing in response.

The next thing she knew, midday sunlight shone through the double window. She curled onto her side, reluctant to rise.

From across the mansion, she heard the sound of dogs yipping and the clap of a door closing came. She wondered if David had taken the dogs outside.

She rolled to sit up, stretched, and padded to the kitchen. Immediately, the rich, dark aroma of coffee drifted to her. Evidently, during the winter months, Grady kept a pot on throughout the day. She paused at the counter where a perfect display of lunch fare had been set up. She poured herself a cup, added cream and sugar, then moved to the window, sipping the hot coffee and gazing out at David playing with his dogs. A fresh coat of snow had fallen. Tank ran, plowing through it and diving nose-first into the white powder. The two Pomeranians danced and barked with shrill, playful yips before the pair disappeared into a patch of snow. David laughed, leaned forward, and pulled them out. The pups wiggled in a licking frenzy, lapping at David’s face. He gave a chest-rumbling laugh, the sort that made her feel good down to her toes. He truly had a special way with the animals, an ease. His caring and compassion showed in his gentle touch.

Without her permission, something stirred deep inside her. Lyndsey wanted to be around him more. She wanted to see how far this feeling would take her.

The door swung open then, and David and the dogs bounded in from the mudroom on the far side of the kitchen, shaking off the snow. “Hello, sleepyhead,” he said, seeming happy and free of troubles. “Did you have a nice nap?”

“Yes, thank you. I’m not sure why I was so tired,” she replied. “I like watching you with the dogs. You’re good with them.”

“Theyare good withme.” He chuckled. “They make me feel human.”

She nodded. It was easy to forget he was an angel. Part of her wished it weren’t so.

“What are your plans for the day? I’d like to go into town for a while this afternoon. See it in the daylight. Go to the bookstore. You know, discover what inspires me. Would you like to join me?”

“Sure. I’d be glad to take you. Just give me a time.”

She smiled. “How about we leave at one?”

“Sound’s good. I have to meet with Val. I think I’m going to ask Solis to meet up with us. She can hang with you. That way, you’re not alone.”

“I’m sure I’ll be okay. But I like Solis. Either way is fine with me.”

She headed upstairs to get dressed, then took her potion again—it wasn’t as bad the second time around—and was back in the kitchen in time for Grady to deliver her a bottle of water before she’d even asked. She could get used to this.

David entered.

And she could get used to him. Her heart did a silly flutter as he strolled into the room in that confident way of his. “Ready?”

Oh yes. She was ready for a date—maybe more. But the thought came to a halt when she realized she didn’t even know if angels could make love. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks as she hurried past him and out of the front door.

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