Page 18 of Oohs, Ahhhs, and Orbs

“I take it you come here often?” I asked wryly as he lifted his other hand to wave back. He guided us to an empty table against the wall as I took in the rustic decor. Everything was wood from the unpainted walls, to the long bar set along the opposite wall. It was a classic motorcycle bar, not that I’d had anything to really go off of other than romance books, but it had a friendly vibe. I loved it.

“Hey, Storm! Would you like your usual?” A beautiful, busty brunette with a bright blue streak of color coming from one side of her head to curve down over one side of her generous assets walked over carrying a round plastic tray.

“Charlene, I’d like you to meet Bridgette. Bridgette, this is Charlene. Her dad owns the place.”

Charlene held her hand out to me, tucking the tray under one arm. She had a beautiful smile with straight white teeth and dimples in both cheeks. I could tell she had quite a bit of NativeAmerican in her as her light brown eyes lit up with happiness. I loved her aura and immediately knew she was good people.

“Hi, Bridgette! It’s so good to meet you. The two of you look amazing together.”

I blushed as I took her hand. As our palms connected, I could sense that she wasn’t a witch like I was, but she had a connection to the Earth just the same. She was clearly comfortable with that connection and used her intuition wisely. “Thank you. It’s nice to meet you too, Charlene.” She gave me a wink, and I knew she’d sensed me as well.

“What do you want to drink, sugar? We have lots of beer and bourbon, but I make sure my pops keeps a few bottles for the ladies, too.”

I looked around as I thought about it and finally shrugged. “I’ll take a bottle of Bud Light.”

Charlene grinned. “Gotcha. And for you, Storm? One bottle since you’re on your bike and carrying precious cargo?”

Logan squeezed my hand and smiled down at the waitress. “You got it, Char.”

Once Charlene turned around to head to the bar, Logan pulled out a chair and waited for me to take a seat before he sat down opposite me.

“I like this place,” I offered as I took another look around. There were three pool tables in the back with only one currently occupied. “So, do you?”

“Do I what?” he asked as he leaned forward, one forearm on the table in front of him, giving me all of his attention.

“Do you come here often?” I flushed as I realized it sounded like a pickup line, and he laughed.

“Not as often as I’d like. Once or twice a month, usually when I’m not weighed down with a heavy caseload.” He looked up as our drinks were placed onto the table in front of us, and we both thanked Charlene, who was immediately flagged over to anothertable. “I used to work here when I was seventeen to help pay for the motorcycle my mom didn’t want me to get.”

I raised one eyebrow. “You worked in a bar at the age of seventeen?”

Logan picked up his bottle and took a drink, then shook his head as he placed it back down. “Not exactly in the bar. I was a dishwasher in the back. I wasn’t allowed out front or anywhere liquor was stored or served.”

I nodded. “That makes more sense. I’m guessing they serve food here, then?” I asked, my stomach rumbling at the thought of food, reminding me that I had been too nervous all day to eat lunch.

“The best burgers and fries in the whole state of Tennessee.”

“Oh really? You’re telling me that I’ve lived this close to the best burgers and never even knew it?” I gasped.

Logan grinned. “You doubt me now, but just wait until you taste them.”

I hummed with skepticism, but was excited to give it a try. I was always on the hunt for the perfect burger. Too many places just fell short and were a complete disappointment. “So are we going to order these amazing burgers?”

“Don’t worry, they will be out shortly.” Logan took a swallow from his beer, and I did the same, trying not to fidget under his intense scrutiny. “Tell me about yourself, Bridgette.”

I cleared my throat and then sat back in the surprisingly comfortable chair. “Well, you know I’m a witch. I am also the single daughter of a single mother, who is the daughter of a single mother… who is the daughter of a single mother.”

Logan’s expression grew pensive as he stared at me. “Is that why you were so hesitant when you realized that we are mates?”

I wasn’t sure if my jaw made a sound when it dropped in shock, since a loud buzzing filled my head at his question.“How?” I swallowed thickly, then tried again. “How did you know you were my mate? You’re not…”

“A witch?” He shook his head and reached for my hands, which were gripping each other so hard that my knuckles were turning white. He smoothed his thumb over them, immediately having a calming effect on my nerves. “No, I’m not. But my mother is.”

Before I could do more than gasp, plates were set down on the edge of the table. Logan pulled his hands back, leaving room for Charlene to slide the burgers in front of us. “Here you go. I’m sure he has already convinced you that these are the best you’ll ever eat. But if you want something else, I’m happy to put in an order for you.” I glanced up at her with a forced smile.

“No, no, this looks great. I’m excited to try it. Thank you.”

“Thanks, Char. I appreciate it.”

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