Page 10 of Magic Touch
I don't bother to explain how ardently I wanted her before she ever laid a hand on me. What would be the point? We are from different worlds, and mine doesn't include witches or shopkeepers. Longing to change my world will not make it so. "Forgive me?"
There is the barest twitch of her lips before she turns serious. "There is no harm and nothing to forgive. I'll get you some bedding for the couch and let you get some rest."
She does as she said, and I lay staring at the dark wood beam on the ceiling for hours. So many feelings and instincts drove me these last two days. There should be many things to regret, yet I can't wish away any of my time with Esme O'Dwyer.
Chapter
Four
ESME
The bookshop owner next door and I share a water closet just outside my back door. We shared the expense of putting it in. It is a luxury I have never regretted.
On my way back inside, a black-and-white kitten cries out. It sits at the door as if expecting to be let in. I crouch and rub under its chin. A rumbling purr makes me smile.
"Who might you be?" I glance around to see if someone is looking for the little mite, but we're alone, the alley empty due to the early hour.
"Well, if someone comes hunting for you, you'll have to go, but perhaps you need a home. I've never had a familiar. Are you to be my eyes at night, or have you some other power?"
The kitten blinks up at me seriously.
Giving him one more pet, I open the door. I put a bit of last night's stew in a bowl for him and watch as he gobbles it down. "You're in luck. I can cook."
I put on some coffee to brew and, still in my robe, I rush upstairs with a pitcher of water for washing. Kitten at my heels, I nearly trip twice, but make it to my rooms unscathed.
William is a sight to behold with his hair rumpled and eyes full of sleep. Cravat removed, his warm golden skin and smattering of dark blond hair peeks through the vee at his throat.
If the pitcher in my hands wasn't so heavy, I might gawk at him all morning. "Good morning, William. Were you able to sleep at all?"
"Some. Thank you."
I pour half the water in the bowl on the stand where I keep a few kitchen items. "You can wash here, and there's a water closet out the kitchen door." My face heats idiotically. I roll my eyes and am glad my back is to him.
In my bedroom, I pour the rest of the water in my basin and wash up before quickly pulling on a day dress. I hear him talking from the next room. Good lord, he's gone mad already.
I rush the remainder of my toilet and return to the sitting room.
William is sitting on the floor with the kitten, having a very serious and adorable conversation. "If you don't tell me your name, little fellow, I shall make one up for you. What do you think of Darby?"
The kitten, with green eyes, one patched in black fur and the other in white, stares up at him.
"No? Hmm, Dan?"
No response from the beast.
"Jacob is my steward's name. He's a fine fellow. Do you fancy that?"
The kitten cocks its head, and its ears go back.
"I see." Thinking, William scratches a day's growth of beard.
My heart is near bursting. If William hadn't had good sense the night before, I'd have let him have me. I'd never wanted anyone more. Witches don't always follow the rules of society, and they often take lovers, but I tend to be quite particular, and never would jump into an affair that can't possibly last more than one night. I'm no saint, nor am I a whore.
"I know," William announces. "Simon!"
The kitten gives a loud mew and jumps into William's lap.
Masculine laughter fills my sitting room, and my heart. "Simon it is then."
