Page 26 of Secret Spark

Her grin widened. “I’m rather intrigued by you, Sadie Eagan. And your taste.” She gestured around the kitchen. “I feel like I’m in one of those vintage shops on the east side of the city.”

“That’s what I was going for.”

Joan’s gaze rested on the bras and panties. No, wait, the TV. The weathercaster pointed at plentiful sunshine across the area.

“We should have perfect weather on Saturday,” Sadie said. “I’m off on Saturdays. Does that work for you?”

“Saturday would be great. I should let you get back to watching the news.”

Waving at the TV, she said, “That’s unimportant. I’d be more than happy to talk to you about food processors.”

“Then we’ll have nothing to talk about on Saturday,” Joan said with a wink.

Anticipation swizzled up Sadie’s chest. “There’s also coffee grinders,” she teased.

Joan glanced at the TV again before turning toward the door. Maybe she didn’t want to see herself on the news.

Some gentle probing was in order. Sadie followed her and tried to be casual. “Oh, hey, sorry. I haven’t asked for your pronouns. Mine are she/her.”

“Me, too. She/her.”

Okay, Joan wasn’t Race.

She held up the tube in the hallway. “Thanks again for this. I feel better already.”

Sadie gave a little curtsy and said, “Glad me and my top-notch dabbing skills could help.”

“I’m definitely feeling your healing energy.”

Her hands stilled on her shorts.Feeling. My. Energy.

“Absorbing it, like the arnica gel?” Sadie asked carefully.

Joan smiled. “Something like that.”

Holy crap!

“Have a good rest of your night, neighbor,” she said. “I’ll text you when I get to my place so you have my number.”

“Goodnight, neighbor.” Sadie’s voice came out all breathy. “I can’t wait ’til Saturday.”

“Me, too.”

They shared a wave. She watched until Joan made it safely inside her apartment. Her legs jellified and she had to hold on to the door as she closed it. It really did feel like some sort of energy transfer had happened between them.

Joan felt my energy. She absorbed my energy.

Wait, wait, hang on. Joan had reacted funny to the idea that Lunk had given the café money. It had to have been Catch, because she knew about the window. BecauseJoanknew about the window.

Sadie squealed and danced in a circle. “You’re going on a date with a Superhero! A nice girl for once. Thenicestnice girl!”

She had a date with Catch. Well, Joan, but they were one and the same wonderful woman.

She squealed and spun again. Finally, a date with someone sweet and good and honest. A true protector. Someone who’d look out for her rather than ask to borrow five hundred dollars, or lie about not being married, or simply ghost her.

Superheroes did not ghost.

CHAPTER6

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