Blue Keltic Moon (Children of the Keltic Triad) (11 page)

Smelling the warm, homey scent of popping corn, Bree hurried into the kitchen. Chance was notorious for overcooking popcorn and although he seemed to relish gnawing on the hard kernels, she hated the black flavor of burned.

Chance was another concern. She would never regret her decision to have him on her team, but she hadn’t had time to confront him on his personal issues. Maybe now, while they finished up the movie snacks, he could help her understand.

While he reached for colorful bowls, his back was to the door. Ringing pops slowed from a heavy pan on the stove. As usual, he wasn’t paying attention. She hurried across the wide stone floor and lifted the pan from the flames.

“I knew you’d rescue the popcorn.” Chance set a huge, deep bowl next to the stove. “How many batches to you think we’ll need?”

“Knowing you and Lucidea, at least three.” Bree dumped the fluffy kernels into the bowl, replaced the pan on the stove and started the next batch. “Butter?”

“In the microwave. You wanna finish the popcorn and I’ll get the sodas?”

“Yeah. I’d like to be able to eat it. Uh, Chance?”

“What?” He’d turned away casually for a tray but the tightness of his movements belied his calm tone.

Now that the moment was there, she discovered she wasn’t ready to bring up his reasons for insisting he be a part of the mission, so she searched for something else to say.

Chance reached around her and gave the popcorn pan a brisk shake. “Don’t do my trick. It’s okay, Bree. I know we haven’t had time to talk, and that’s okay. Really. Since I’ve gotten here, I’ve hardly heard... the noise. Tomorrow will be soon enough for us to talk about it.”

He moved to the huge stainless steel refrigerator, mumbling under his breath. “Never’d be soon enough.”

Dumping the second pan of popcorn, Bree sighed. Was it a guy thing to want to talk and not want to at the same time? The final batch of kernels sizzled in a bit of oil before she said, “Thanks for bringing the weapons from the armory.”

His shoulders jerked. A bronze red covered the back of his neck. Bree frowned at his unusual reaction. Still, he smiled when he turned and saluted her with a bottle of soda in his hand.

“I only brought part of what you wanted. Searlait said she’d bring the rest when she joins us tomorrow.”

The blush deepened to stain his high cheekbones. He hid something from her. Why he’d always attempted to keep secrets from her was beyond her comprehension. Even without tapping into his aura, she’d always known. She opened her mouth to pry—

And closed it again. Hadn’t she been the one to call a stop to talking about the next night’s mission? Mentioning the odd voice in her brother’s head would only bring them back to Morghan’s rescue. While she couldn’t stop anyone’s thoughts, hopefully relaxing with a movie would keep the anxiety at bay. At least for a short while
.

Clearer minds would be more aware and open to possibilities. No dramas for them tonight, hopefully Jayse picked a light-hearted movie, a comedy or musical.

“I’m ready.”

She started at Chance’s bright words then gave herself a mental shake. Getting her wayward thoughts under control before the mission needed to be her priority. She couldn’t let her mind wander when she needed to be fully aware of everything around her.

“Geez. You’re burning the corn.” Chance laughed when she jerked the pan from the flame. Carefully lifting the lid to avoid the steam, she inhaled deeply but didn’t smell any over-cooked kernels.

“Got ya. Come on, you’re the one who decreed we need to not think about tomorrow.”

“Nope, got you there, Chance.” She dumped the pan of perfectly popped corn into the bowl then poured the last of the melted butter over the heaping mound. “I wasn’t thinking about the mission. I was thinking about tonight’s movie.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Okay, and how I shouldn’t be thinking about tomorrow.”

They laughed together. Bree gathered the over-full popcorn bowl in both hands and followed Chance with his heavily laden tray of drinks. Before leaving the kitchen she stopped, leaned sideways and snatched the salt shaker from the table.

––––––––

G
owthaman slouched in one corner of a well-worn loveseat, staring at where his hands lay idle on his thighs. Idle. There was no time for idleness this night. He leaned his head against the high cushioned back and stared at the dark ceiling. The wealth of information held in his brain left little room for his personal concerns, but the knowledge did little good if it was not transferred to a form others could use.

Casting his gaze sideways without moving his head, he glanced at the others. Jayse and Lucidea cuddled in the second loveseat. After depositing him here, Coralie and Nightshade had taken the two single chairs. He tipped his head slightly to see the doorway. Perhaps after the movie began, he could use the cover of darkness to slip from the room and return to his task.

Laughter preceded Chance into the room. He set a heavy tray on the sideboard, glanced around the room, nodded to Jayse then flopped to his stomach on a pile of thick pillows. Breanna followed her brother and added an overflowing popcorn bowl to Chance’s offering. Then she turned and scanned the room.

“What happened to the rest of the chairs?”

Jayse looked away and cleared his throat, but Lucidea answered. “I’ve been in the mood to redecorate. The chairs were comfy, but boring. I’m having them recovered.”

A tiny frown marred the smoothness of Breanna’s forehead and she peered at the floor. Gowthaman followed her gaze to the sets of parallel lines crossing the carpet to a closed door. So that’s what Jayse had been doing when they’d entered the room. Moving furniture. Creating less seating.

Realization slammed into him at the same moment Breanna’s gaze lifted to his. Her bright blue eyes sparkled. Watching him, she spoke to Lucidea, her tone dry. “I’m sure you’ve been planning to redecorate for a long time. Good thing there aren’t more of us ready to enjoy a movie.”

The light in her eyes dimmed and Gowthaman imagined he saw a plea for understanding. He managed the start of a smile and was rewarded with her visible relief.

Turning her back, Breanna filled a smaller bowl with popcorn. “So, now that you’ve rearranged, what movie did you pick out for us?”

“I didn’t have anything to do with this one,” Jayse said.

“That’s right.” Lucidea laughed. “This is my choice. It’s a movie we’ve seen many times. It’s good for tonight, full of hope for overcoming what appears insurmountable, with plenty to laugh over.”

Breanna lifted two sodas in one hand and showed them to Gowthaman. He nodded approval. She brought the bottles and the popcorn and sat next to him. “Sorry about their little trick,” she whispered. Situating the bowl between them, she said, “So, what movie?”

“Give you a clue. ‘Never give up, never surrender’.”

Breanna chuckled, the sound warm and hopeful. The tight band of worry around Gowthaman’s heart loosened. He didn’t understand Lucidea’s vague reference, but then, he seldom found time for the frivolity of movies. And then only with Breanna’s encouragement. If she believed this exercise to be beneficial, he would hold his thoughts and not argue.

But with the seating arrangements, neither would he be able to leave. Mourning the loss of valuable time, he couldn’t hold back a sigh.

“Ready?” Lucidea held up the remote and made a show of pressing two buttons, lowering the lights then starting the movie.

In the few seconds of darkness before the screen lit, Bree leaned over the popcorn bowl and whispered, “Relax, Gowtham. Enjoy. Everyone needs these moments.”

Her breath stole across his cheek and he fought to remain still and not lean the mere fraction of an inch to touch his skin to her lips. Want blazed through him, pure, unadulterated lust for the woman he loved. He sensed her hesitation before she settled back with the bowl a flimsy barrier between them.

Glad of the near dark and shifting to a nominally more comfortable position, he struggled with the intensity of his reaction. Yes, he loved her, and an honest component to love was desire. He could not allow himself to act upon neither the love nor his desires. Never before had a physical reaction to her nearness been so—instant. So intense. Had it to do with the danger she would face the next night?

The opening scenes of the movie flickered on the huge screen and he blinked at the odd, science fiction images. Bree gave half a chuckle. “I love this movie.” Then she leaned close again. “I can’t believe I’ve never made you watch this with me.” The low, sultry tone of her words vibrated through him like a song. A fey angel’s song. Breanna’s song.

He turned his head and bumped her nose with his. She gulped back a gasp but didn’t move away. He could kiss her now, in the movie darkness. But not the kiss he wished to bestow upon her; how could he, when he was undeserving?

Tiny frown lines marked the downturn of her lips as if she knew his thoughts.

“We should...” he started, then cleared his throat of the words hovering there.

“I think a better...” Bree said at the same time.

“Shh.” A wadded napkin landed on Bree’s outstretched arm. Chance’s movements rustled from the overstuffed floor pillows. “You’re the one who said we’ve gotta watch a movie, so be quiet.” He laughed, spoiling his stern reprimand.

“Okay, okay. I’m watching the movie.” Bree rolled her eyes as she sank against the back cushions. She lifted her soda can in a sarcastic salute after Chance focused on the screen. “Brat.”

The interruption had been timely. Unsure exactly what Chance had interrupted, and vaguely angered with the young man, Gowthaman stored his erratic thoughts away and after a quick glance at Bree, determined to watch the movie. No thinking, no action, just mindless drivel to take him away from his concerns.

After all, that was what his Breanna wanted.
Wasn’t it?

The distraction worked—for a short while. He even found himself identifying with one of the characters. Until the actors portraying actors arrived on a real space-going ship modeled after the vessel on their television show. Until his hand bumped Bree’s in the popcorn bowl when they both tried to keep the bowl from tipping. Until she twined her fingers with his, moved the bowl and scooted closer, resting their joined hands on her thigh.

Without turning his head, he glanced sideways at her. A tiny smile accented the fullness of her lower lip. The tip of her tongue swiped at a shiny spot of salty butter at the corner of her mouth. Gowthaman clawed the fingers of his free hand into the furniture arm. The aching need to kiss her, to show her his love rumbled deep in his chest. He released a slow breath, the roar of movie battle covering the low sound of his indiscretion.

Perhaps if he did kiss her, he would be able to take control of his wayward emotions. He glanced at her again. Seeming oblivious of his internal struggle, she laughed at the movie actors.

He
should
kiss her. He would after the movie. One kiss then he could return to his journal and complete the preparations needed to send the mission off successfully. Just one kiss
.

After all, that was what his Breanna wanted. Wasn’t it?

S
itting on the deck railing, Breanna watched Gowthaman escape through the workroom door. She held on to the cool wood and leaned back to stare into the dark, star-filled sky. Frustrated, she pounded one fist against the rail. Yep, she was frustrated all right.

Gowthaman had allowed her to hold his hand through the last half of the movie. He’d kept possession of her fingers as they left the media room and strolled to the deck. She’d been amazed he hadn’t rushed right back to his journal once she’d released everyone from her well received yet imposed relaxation.

They’d stood in the silent night staring at the loch’s dark waters. Alone. Bodies close. She hugged herself. The moment had been quietly romantic. Then he’d turned her to face him and taken both her hands. The memory alone was enough to shift her breathing to that sense of anticipation, of longing. He’d looked at her. For once, she felt he really looked at her, a man gazing into the eyes of a woman.

The shadows had hidden the darkness of his eyes, but his expression had filled with heavy-lidded desire. It had. And that expression had drawn her closer, until she’d held their hands at her hips. A tremble passed from him to her, settling low in her body. He’d been ready to kiss her. Finally.

She snorted and slipped to her feet. Yeah, right
.
Tricks in the moonlight, tricks her mind played on her, showing her what she wanted, not the true expression filling his face the second before he’d turned and practically run away. She’d wait forever for Gowthaman to come to his senses about her. Right now, he confused her too much.

Chance peeked over the railing from the land side of the deck. “Well? Did he finally—”

She shook her finger at him. “You planned this, you and Jayse. Don’t act so innocent around me, little brother. I smell your stink all over the popcorn ruse and reupholstering fiasco.”

“Yeah, well, he needed a push. Did it work?”

“I’m standing in one of the most romantic spots at the manor. Alone. What do you think?”

“Geez, Bree. A little help from you—”

“Would get me nowhere. Now, for this little stunt, I think you need some early morning sword practice. Say six?”

“Me? It was Jayse’s idea.” Chance lifted himself over the rail and crossed his arms. Not the least bit repentant, he lifted his eyebrows and tilted his head at her.

“I’ll get him up, too. You can cross swords together. I’m sure he needs the workout.”

“Great. I’ll go tell him the good news.” Chance’s shoulders slumped and his expression drooped. “Bree, we really didn’t mean for you to get upset.”

She slapped at his shoulder. “I know. And I’m not really mad. But you still can use the practice before we encounter the world between worlds. Don’t worry. I’ll be there, too.”

Chance sidled closer and touched his shoulder to hers then kissed her cheek. “Love ya, Sis. I’ll tell Jayse and Coralie, sword practice at six.”