Page 83 of Christmas Magic

“Did we succeed in making him jealous?”

Surprise lit her features. Had Cora really thought Lucian wouldn’t figure out why she’d brought him back to the castle? Another man might have resented being used for such a purpose, but Lucian admired Cora’s cunning. Her plan had also allowed him to speak with Santa, as he’d wanted, so her ambitions had complemented his.

Her lips curved in a smug smile. “I believe we did make Fred jealous.”

Lucian fought an ache in the vicinity of his heart. “Forgive me for asking, but what was he to you? Will you finally tell me?”

Cora’s keys clinked as she motioned to the vehicle. “Get in. We’ll talk somewhere else.”

Lucian slid into the passenger seat.

After leaving Coquina Castle, she drove back down Sherwood Boulevard to the main part of the town. Even as he wondered if she was driving him back to Black Cat Antiquities, she passed Whiskers Road. With the Boardwalk in view, she turned right onto Tabby Road, into the Seaside Hills area known for its upscale homes.

A few streets in, Cora turned into the driveway of a sprawling house with landscaped grounds and a magnificent ocean view.

A rush of anticipation warmed Lucian. “Your home?”

“Yes, it’s my castle.”

Castle wasn’t the right word. The building wasn’t made of mortared stone. It didn’t have battlements, a drawbridge, or any other features of the fortresses in his memories. But he kept his thoughts to himself. While he couldn’t remember being at the house before, she must think very highly of him to bring him to her private residence. Another sign that they were destined to be together.

Yet, even as the thought settled in his mind, a tiny bit of doubt flickered. It pushed against the wall in his mind, as though telling him to pay attention. He mentally shoved it away.

“My late husband and I bought this place just over twenty years ago,” Cora said. “We did quite a few renovations.” She pressed a button and the garage door opened to reveal a vacant space as well as a gleaming red sportscar.

Lucian whistled. “Do you drive that?”

“No. It was my late husband’s. I don’t know how to drive a stick shift.” She drove the Cadillac into the garage. “I’ll sell it at some point, but I’m in no rush.”

While Lucian enjoyed driving his Mini, he envied the lucky person who’d end up owning the sportscar, which looked in excellent condition.

She switched off the Cadillac’s engine and smiled at him. “Coming inside?”

Pleasure unfurled within him. Yet, doubt niggled again; a sense that he should decline her offer. However, she’d brought him here—a place where she felt comfortable—to tell him about her relationship with Santa. To show his commitment to their future together as well as satisfy his curiosity, Lucian would stay long enough to find out what had happened.

“I didn’t think you’d mind coming to my house. You’ll be here next weekend anyway, for the historical society’s party.”

“Right.” Again, doubt; stronger this time. “I’ll need to get back to the store—”

“Of course.” She touched his arm. “I won’t keep you too long.”

Heat from her touch spread through him, and the doubt no longer seemed so pressing. He nodded. “Sounds good.”

Inside, she showed him through to the spacious living room with its modern leather furnishings and vaulted ceiling. Long windows looked out onto a wide wooden deck and the breathtaking view of Cat’s Paw Cove, dotted with several boats.

“Why don’t you have a seat outside?” she said. “I’ll get some drinks.”

He opened the sliding door to the deck. After savoring the sea view, he sat in one of the cushioned chairs. What an impressive house. It was far nicer in design and location than the place where he lived with Molly.

Cora appeared a few moments later with a tray holding two glasses of wine and a plate of her sprinkle-decorated cookies.

She handed him a wine glass and motioned to the baked treats. “Help yourself.”

“Thanks.” He took several of the cookies. He should resist, since he’d eaten quite a few lately, but they were good. He’d just have to work in extra runs on the beach. Brisk swordfights would also burn off the calories, but he had yet to meet a fellow knight with whom to spar.

Cora sat and studied the sun-sparkled water. “There’s nothing like the ocean, is there?”

He swallowed a mouthful of cookie and sipped his wine. A memory tickled the back of his mind: him walking the sand with a woman as the setting sun splashed vibrant hues of orange, yellow, and red upon the ocean. That evening, he hadn’t walked with Cora. Who, then? Molly? His mind refused to fully unfold the memory.