Page 39 of Sorcia's Heart
Relief swept across Marcus’s face, and he immediately swung an arm around her, pulling her against his side.With a wave of his hand, a sturdy platform appeared beside them, hovering a few feet above the ground.Another wave, accompanied by a snap of his fingers, conjured a table and chairs, complete with a linen tablecloth and softly flickering candles.
“What are you in the mood for?”he asked, his tone lighter now, clearly trying to ease her tension.
“Pizza,” she muttered, then shook her head.“But that’s too heavy.Something light, so we’re not weighed down.”
“How about braised chicken and a barley salad with nuts and dried fruit?”he suggested with a small, knowing smile.
Sorcia sighed, leaning her head against his shoulder.“That sounds perfect.”
With a final snap of his fingers, the meal appeared on the table, complete with plates, silverware, and a chilled pitcher of water.“Dinner is served,” Marcus announced, gesturing gallantly to the spread.“No more protein bars for a few hours.”
For the first time in what felt like forever, Sorcia smiled—a small, weary smile, but genuine nonetheless.As she stared at the conjured table, she allowed herself a moment to simply breathe.The aroma of the food mingled with the fresh forest air, and for a fleeting second, the weight of her world seemed just a little lighter.
Marcus floated in the air, holding Sorcia against him.The two of them floated up to the platform, which was really just a wooden deck.But it was a thoughtful touch.
“This smells delicious,” she said as she sat down and draped the linen napkin over her lap, then picked up the silver cutlery.“I know that humans do things like this all the time.”She smiled around at the trees overhead.“I’ve never done it before but there is a certain appeal to al fresco dining.”
Marcus snapped his fingers again and a chilled bottle of white wine appeared in his hand.He pointed his finger at the cork and it popped off.A moment later, he poured shimmering wine into two crystal glasses.
“What do you mean?Humans never dine like this in the woods.”
She took an appreciative sip of her wine, closing her eyes to better savor the fruity, oaky flavors.When she opened her eyes again, she smiled at him.“Of course they do.It’s called…” She snapped her fingers, trying to remember the human word.
“Are you talking about camping?”he asked, amused at the idea of comparing what they were doing with what humans did.
“Yeah.Camping!”she said, brightening.She sliced into the juicy chicken and took a bite.“Oh, you’re good!What spices did you use?”
“Garlic, pepper, and a bay leaf in the simmering broth.Simple recipe,” he replied.“The barley was cooked in broth too, adding more flavor.”
She took a bite of the side dish, then sighed with pleasure.“Oh, I like the dried cranberries with the almond slivers.Nice touch!”
He nodded.“I saw the recipe online and thought it would be pretty good.”
“Wait until I make my sweet potato fries for you.I’ve perfected the recipe.I discovered a new spice that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness.”
“Tomorrow night, you’ll cook.I’d love a burger with those fries.”He winked at her.“Just throwing an idea out there.”
She laughed, and nodded.“Deal.Tomorrow, I’ll cook.”
They chatted and relaxed over the meal, but both resisted a second glass of wine.When they were finished, satisfied after the wholesome, flavorful meal, Sorcia stood up.“I’ll clean up,” she announced playfully and snapped her fingers.The whole setup disappeared.
“Thank you,” he replied and pressed a kiss to the top of her head.“Now we sleep.”He waved his hand around them, and a cozy canvas tent appeared.A moment later, a large bed with a thick, fluffy mattress, white sheets, and soft blankets with matching pillows appeared.
“Perfect,” she sighed and waved her hand, changing into a non-sexy sleep shirt.Even still, she heard Marcus groan.“Later,” she promised, then padded barefoot over to the bed and slipped between the clean sheets.“Oh, this is perfect,” she sighed contentedly as she got comfortable.
Marcus watched as Sorcia closed her eyes, then fell into a deep sleep almost at once.He should have called a halt sooner, he thought.She was more exhausted than he’d realized.
Still, he set a timer for four hours.He wished he could convince her to sleep a while longer, but he’d urged four hours of sleep and he would keep to that promise.
Chapter 22
Sorciawokeupandstretched, looking around.Where were they?This wasn’t the bed in her loft.
Oh, right!Camping.Well, “camping”, she corrected.Witches didn’t use sleeping bags and sleep in the dirt.The tent was warm and cozy while she suspected that the air temperature outside was pretty close to freezing.Spring was fast approaching and the leaves were starting to emerge from their winter slumber.
But it wasn’t the changing leaves or the chilly temperatures that caught and held her attention.It was the warm, muscular arm wrapped around her waist.And the heat emanating from Marcus’ chest and groin, warming her back, that was interesting.
“You’re finally awake,” his groggy voice admonished.His hand slid from her stomach to her breast.Since that was exactly where Sorcia’s mind had gone, she hissed and arched her back, pressing her bottom against his erection.A very impressive erection!
