“Is that why you moved away from Baltimore?”
“Yes. Boston reminded me of Baltimore, somewhat. I lived in a little row house there and the Back Bay has the same kind of historic vibe—but on a slightly larger scale. And even though it snows more in Boston, the summers aren’t quite so hot and humid.”
“Is that when the agoraphobia started?”
“Shortly after that. It took every ounce of self-control I had not to hex the Hell out of the guy.”
Sly enveloped her in a strong hug. “Oh, honey. I’m so sorry that happened to you. If he ever gets out, let me know. Okay? I’ll pay him a little visit.”
That made her smile. “I’ll bet. But you don’t have to defend me. It’s just nice to hear you say you want to. I love you, Sly.”
Fuck.Could he say it back yet? She certainly needed to hear it. But did he mean it? He thought he did. He wanted to. Her expectant eyes shifted to her feet. If he hurt her, he’d never forgive himself.Better wait until I’m sure.
Gwyneth pounded on apartment 1A’s door for the third time. “I know you’re in there, Nathan. It’s just lil’ ol’ Gwyneth. Now open up.”
Several clicks on the other side of the door said he was unlocking what must have been Fort Knox-like security.
Finally, the door opened and Nathan peeked around it.
Gwyneth jammed her hands on her hips and sputtered, “Geezum Crow. Y’all would think there’s martial law and chaos out here or somethin’.”
“What do you want, Gwyneth?”
“Well, for starters, how about some manners? Where I come from when a neighbor comes to call, you invite her in.”
Nathan hung his head and stepped back, opening his door wider. She understood that was the only invitation she was likely to get and breezed inside.
He closed the door behind her and relocked it, but only used one deadbolt. He looked handsomer than usual. His black slacks and black shirt were nicely pressed, and his hair, though wet, looked good slicked back that way.
“So, aren’t y’all gonna offer me some hospitality, like a place to set a spell?”
Nathan shrugged, then gestured to his sofa. “I suppose you want a cup of coffee too.”
“If it’s not too much trouble. That would be most kind of y’all.”
Nathan shuffled off to his kitchen and while he was gone, Gwyneth wandered around the living room, appraising the onlyapartment she’d never seen. Other than the necessary furniture and a large screen TV, there was very little in it.
As expected, the raven had a lovely hand-carved perch next to his big bay window. “I wonder if he’d ruther be in his human or bird form?” she mumbled to herself.
“Oh, he definitely prefers his raven form. I envy his ability to fly on the wind and have some control over it. Me? My energy would spread itself halfway down the block with the slightest gust.”
“I didn’t know y’all was here, Chad.”
“Yeah, I followed you downstairs and came in behind you. So, if you were a shapeshifter, what kind would you be?”
“If I was a shapeshifter, a bird would be the type I’d choose. Not like Nathan or Jason or Morgaine’s owl Athena. I’d be a beautiful swan or a Canada goose, able to glide across water or air currents equally good.”
She settled on his comfortable distressed leather couch and crossed her ankles, in an attempt to look ladylike. However, no lady would propose what she was about to ask Nathan.
“Chad, would y’all mind leavin’ us alone for a bit? I have somethin’ personal to discuss with Mr. Nourie.”
Chad sighed.“I suppose. Although I’d love to see him squirm when you ask him to be Lily’s booty call.”
“Oh, hush, you.”
Chad laughed.
Nathan returned with two mugs and handed her one filled with steaming dark brown liquid.
