Page 20 of Enchanted Hero
“How about that? We have something in common.” he teased. “What else do you enjoy, besides the exact same things as me, of course?”
Unease made her smile waver. She shouldn’t be uncomfortable talking to the enigmatic businessman, yet sharing her interests seemed too personal. Perhaps if it was something he already knew. “I enjoy doing research for New Age Treasures.”
“Isn’t that work?”
“Yes, but it’s so much more.” Excitement lifted her voice. “I enjoy traveling in search of relics, especially to historical sites. Last year, I scraped together enough money to visit an ancient castle where mystical creatures are said to roam.”
“That is fascinating.” His eyes twinkled. “Did you find any mystical creatures?”
“No.” Her grin returned. “But I got lots of information. You wouldn’t believe how many people believe in that stuff.” It had been a wonderful trip, and she’d made friends who didn’t roll their eyes when she discussed supernatural relics.
Of course, the man before her believed in none of that. “I imagine there are far more believers than admit it.” He pointed at her. “Present company included, I assume?”
She nodded immediately. “Unlike stubborn people who don’t believe in anything they can’t see–” She used both hands to point at him. “I admit I don’t know everything about the world. Especially after the incident with the tornado.”
He sobered immediately. “I believe in what’s visible. If I saw magic, I would accept it.” He leaned forward. “Do you really believe we are living amidst a secret world?”
“Perhaps.” Yet did she really? Before the tornado she would have said no, but now… “What would you do if one of them confronted you?”
He frowned. “Who?”
“I don’t know. A ghost, a goblin, a witch, a warlock? Wait–” She held out his hand when he started to respond. “I know. You’d do a corporate takeover of the whole thing.”
His eyes regained their sparkle. “That’s right. If there was a secret society of – warlocks – I’d definitely be in charge.”
“I knew it! Only witches and warlocks sound a little too dark. Maybe we could think of another name.”
“How about Enchanters?”
The slightest shiver came at the low words, as the mood changed. “That’s perfect.” She cleared her throat. “I also saw a flying saucer, Big Foot and a unicorn. The witch tried to cast a spell on me, but I foiled it.”
“Too bad.” He winked. “It sounds like fun.”
She relaxed. “If you had magic powers, the world would be in big trouble.”
He laughed.
They conversed amicably for the rest of the drive, touching upon a wide range of subjects, from the trivial and light to the serious and important. They agreed on most matters, their interests and opinions converging greatly. Alexander was fascinating and charming, and she enjoyed the conversation more than she’d ever admit. It seemed as if mere seconds had passed when they reached the colorful flags signaling the country fair.
The county fair was a delight to the senses. Massive rides soared high into the sky, their passengers twisting and turning and speeding in loop di loops. Huge red and white tents dotted the green expanse, surrounded by hundreds of smaller tents offering games, fried treats and neon toys. The festivities were a sea of colorful lights and sounds, set to the zipping of some of the largest coasters in the world. “Wow.”
“Impressive, isn’t it?” Alexander pointed out the window as the car turned into the VIP parking lot. “The fair attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year.”
“I can’t believe how high they go.” She shielded her eyes from the sun as a coaster zoomed almost directly overhead. “They must feel like they’re flying.”
“Not quite.”
“What?”
“Nevermind. Would you like to ride it?”
She shook her head firmly. “Thank you, but I’ll keep my feet on the ground.”
They reached the parking attendant, who took a single glance at Alexander through the open window and allowed them immediate entrance. The chauffer threaded his way to the front gate, and they disembarked into a wide green field. The scent of grass and cotton candy mingled, amidst the rumble of rides and tinkling of children’s laughter. Boisterous music played from a dozen directions at once, carried on a cool breeze that tickled her skin and ruffled her hair.
The ticket clerk recognized Alexander as well, of course. Actually, by the pointing fingers, wide smiles and boisterous waves,everyonerecognized him. “I forgot you’re a celebrity.”
“Hardly.” He nodded politely to a group of attractive women vying for his attention. “People know Stone Holdings.”
