A Touch of Magick by N. J. Walters Page B

“Technically, no.”
    “Okay, you definitely have to explain that one.” Maggie offered a small smile as if to apologize for her earlier outburst.
    Rhiannon fiddled with her croissant, flaking pieces of the pastry away. Flecks of chocolate covered her fingers, a stark reminder of last night. It had been better than chocolate.
    “Rhiannon,” Esther prompted.
    “He called me after he got home to make sure I was okay after what from this day forth what will be known as the dessert incident. I’d just gotten out of the shower and was wearing a towel.” She swallowed hard, staring at her fingers, remembering how she’d touched her body at Ryland’s prompting.
    “And?” Maggie asked.
    “We talked,” she hedged.
    “You had phone sex.” Esther’s voice was a combination of shock and envy. “That’s what you were talking about when you called me this morning. I was still half-asleep or I’d have put it together before now.”
    “What was it like?” Maggie interrupted.
    “It was…” It was difficult to put it into words. “It was amazing. Better than any other sex I’ve had in my life, even though it was only virtual sex. I didn’t really sleep with him.” It was important to her to point out the distinction.
    Esther waved her hand. “Virtual or not, you had sex with the man.”
    Maggie’s cheeks were flushed as she leaned closer. “What happened when it was over?”
    “We talked a bit and then I asked him over for dinner.”
    “You didn’t,” Esther exclaimed.
    Rhiannon laid her forehead on the table and moaned. “I did. I couldn’t help myself.”
    “Why should you?” When Rhiannon raised her head, Maggie was staring at her, a look of growing annoyance on her face. “This is what you wanted. What we all wanted. A night of hot sex. We all needed to get laid. Isn’t that what we agreed?”
    “Yes, but it doesn’t seem right somehow.” Rhiannon couldn’t shake the feeling of guilt, that she’d somehow manipulated Ryland.
    Maggie let out a huff of frustration. “I haven’t had anyone approach me since the candle ritual.” She turned to Esther. “Have you?”
    “No. Not unless you count Ryan, which we can’t because he’s always trying to get me to go out with him.”
    “Okay then.” Maggie nodded. “That settles it. It’s coincidence that you met and fell into lust with Ryland. Enjoy it. If it helps you get over your problem with your magick, you won’t need to form a therapy group or start a twelve-step program to get past the obstacle that has haunted you for most of your life. Right?”
    Put like that, it made a lot of sense. Most men would kill for a night or two of hot, sheet-mangling sex with no strings attached. He’d get something and so would she—orgasms and possibly even her magick released. It was a win-win situation. “Maybe you’re right.”
    “I don’t know, Rhiannon,” Esther began, only to be shushed by Maggie. Before any of them could speak, a heavy knock sounded on the front door. Rhiannon glanced toward it and Ada waved back. It was time for the workday to begin.
    “Either way, we’re having dinner tonight. I asked him, so I’ll cook for him. It doesn’t mean I’m going to sleep with him.” Although, she admitted to herself, there was probably a good chance that would happen. If not tonight, then another night. The attraction between them was far too great to ignore. If they were in close proximity for any length of time, it was going to happen. Surprisingly, the idea of sleeping with Ryland on only their second date didn’t bother her as much as it should.
    As she pushed away from the table and went toward the front door, she smiled to herself. Maybe it was fate. Maybe she shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Maybe having sex with him would unleash her magick. Maybe it would just be fabulous, mind-blowing sex. Either way, it worked for her.
    Ignoring the voice of caution clamoring in the back of her brain, Rhiannon unlocked the door. Ada