Wicked Magic by K. T. Black Page A

over at your house, she’s going to figure it out anyway.”
    “This is very true,” Alex agreed.
    Chandler stared at Alex, trying to will her to ask the question she wanted to hear. Alex raised her eyebrows and stared back, forcing Chandler to ask for what she wanted.
    “You’re going to make me ask, aren’t you?”
    “Ask what?” Chandler could see Alex feigned ignorance.
    “You’re not amusing, Alex.”
    She laughed. “I think I’m extremely amusing.”
    Chandler huffed. “You really are going to make me ask.”
    “My dear, I told you before, you’re more than welcome to stay with me in my house. I even have a room where you could set up all your equipment if you like. Keep your house or sell it, it makes no difference to me. As long as I have you, that’s all I care about.”
    “Does that mean you intend on staying in Castleton for a while?”
    “Believe it or not, I’m looking forward to taking life a bit easier. Living and working in New York, I didn’t always find the time to devote to my art. And sometimes when I did, the inspiration wasn’t there. Plus I do enjoy teaching.”
    “I was only wondering what to expect.”
    “I’m quite a tenacious person, Chandler. Even though nothing is guaranteed, I don’t give up easily on anything. When I want something, I go after it until I get it.”
    “If you were asked to go back to New York again by Roger, would you do it?”
    “It depends.”
    “That’s a vague answer.”
    “This was a favor for him. Something I kind of owed him.”
    “If the money was good enough?”
    “Money’s not an issue for me. It never has been. Besides what I’ve earned, my family has trust funds set up for me and my brother.” Alex shook her head. “No, I tend to have a purpose behind what I do. If I don’t enjoy it, I simply don’t do it.”
    “I was wondering.”
    “You’re just going to have to figure out how to keep me entertained here.”
    “I think that can be arranged.”
    * * * *
    As soon as the black town car pulled into Alex’s driveway, Chandler noticed Kara exiting her house. One hand held a cat carrier, while the other held a sack full of Zelda’s things.
    Looking in the same direction as Chandler, Alex said, “I hope you’re ready for that conversation with Kara.”
    “Yeah, I guess so.”
    The car door opened and the driver helped both Alex and Chandler out.
    “Would you please take all the luggage into the house?” Alex instructed the driver.
    He nodded.
    “Thank you.” Alex turned to Chandler. “You might as well invite her inside. She’s not going to leave until she gets all the details of our trip.”
    “Okay.”
    Alex headed up to the front door while Chandler met up with Kara.
    “Oh, you’re finally back.” Kara looked like she was about to burst from excitement. “I can’t wait to hear all about the trip.”
    “Would you like some help?” Chandler accepted the cat carrier that held Zelda.
    “Thanks.” Kara followed Chandler over to Alex’s house. “So, did you have a good time?”
    “Yeah, it was fun. How did Jake like cat sitting?”
    “I figured he’d hate it, but he and Zelda bonded over the weekend while you guys were away. That cat either sat on his lap or next to him the entire time. I tell you, I was starting to get jealous.” If only you knew about Zelda , Chandler thought.
    “How did Maggie like having a cat in the house?”
    “They maintained their distance. But I’ll tell you what was the craziest thing. As soon as Zelda set foot in our place, she acted like she was the queen of the house. Maggie didn’t even dare try and chase her. One look from that cat and the dog just kowtowed to her.”
    “That doesn’t surprise me.”
    Tip in hand, the driver walked past Chandler and Kara on his way back to the car.
    “First class accommodations all the way, I see.” Kara nudged her.
    “Pretty much.”
    “Lucky bitch.”
    Standing by the open door, Alex said, “Come on in, ladies. I’ve poured us all