Page 30 of Cursed Sight
Brandy clapped her hands together with excitement before her fingers were splayed across her cheeks. “I’m seriously giddy over this. Since I can’t indulge in alcohol, I’m going to enjoy every sweet morsel I can.”
Amanda returned with a tray and pointed at a table in the corner. “Sit, sit. You can’t enjoy a sweets coma if you’re standing.” Once they draped their jackets on the backs of their chairs and settled in their seats, she placed a small plate before each of them. “This one is a traditional raspberry cheesecake,” she said, pointing at the cream-and-crimson-colored cake before pointing at the two other labeled cakes on the tray. “Take your time trying them. I’m sorry I can’t give you my full attention, but if you need me, holler!”
Serena wrapped her lips around the creamy texture and moaned. It was a decadent balance of flavors that complemented each other. A touch of raspberry burst on her taste buds but left as quickly as it had registered.
Brandy’s giggle brought Serena back from the sinful flavor. “What?” Serena asked, her gaze shifting from one woman to the other.
“Last time I heard you moan like, that my brother’s tongue was down your throat,” she smirked, and Andrea covered her mouth.
Serena froze at Brandy’s words, unable to stop the blush creeping up her neck at the reminder.
“I’m sorry!” Brandy squeaked. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”
Not knowing how to respond, Serena dropped her gaze and dug into the coconut cream rum cake Amanda had labeled and set on the tray. Thankfully, the other women dropped the topic and followed her lead.
Serena set her fork down fifteen minutes later as the women discussed flowers for the ceremony. She gave her input when asked but sat back with a belly full of the generous samples of cake.
“I’m stuffed,” Andrea said, scooting her chair from the table.
“Sweet Lord, so am I!” Brandy said.
Relaxed, Serena giggled. “At least you can claim the baby is eating some of it.”
Brandy rubbed her growing belly, and joy radiated off her. “I can, but no way could I overindulge every day. I’m still wrapping my head around the fact I’m even pregnant.”
“Everything has gone so fast,” Andrea said. “You’re absolutely sure—”
“I’m completely sure about Ryan,” Brandy said, cutting her off. “I can’t explain it…”
Serena’s gaze became unfocused on the pedestrians strolling past the shop. “Like an invisible thread connects you two, and you don’t feel at peace until he’s at your side?” she whispered.
With her mind on Ethan, her breath slowed and her heartbeat thundered in her ears. Fear and excitement warred within her at the mere thought of him. Any time he was near, it seemed his attention was solely focused on her. No man challenged her like he did, and yet he held her high so she could shine.
“Oh my God,” Brandy whispered a moment later, as hundreds of memories revolving around Ethan flooded Serena. “He’s your soul mate… Isn’t he?”
Feeling vulnerable from the inundation of emotions where Ethan was concerned, Serena was unable to school her features in time. Brandy’s answering gasp filled the shop as Amanda Jo stepped through the door.
“What’s wrong? Did something come out bad? I promise I tasted them before serving your samples!”
Brandy studied Serena for a split second, and Serena knew the conversation had been tabled for another time. She may be a high priestess, but Brandy was a sister who not only loved Ethan but adored him. Brandy would let it go for the moment, but Serena would not be lucky enough to escape an interrogation.
With a bright smile plastered to her face, Brandy shook her head in Amanda Jo’s direction. “Are you kidding me? All three were delicious. There wasn’t a single thing wrong with them.”
Amanda Jo slapped her hand over her chest. “Oh, good! Did you make a decision, or did you want me to make other samples?”
“Oh no, I think the cheesecake will complement my wedding perfectly.”
Chapter 19
Images of a dark figure around Serena flashed in Ethan’s mind. His heart stuttered as air became lodged in his throat, and his gut clenched with fear. The picture faded before he could gather more, but the emotional turmoil in its wake left him unbalanced. He needed to see her with his own two eyes.
Forcing his worry down, the energy around him vibrated as he reached out. Moments like these reminded him how fortunate he was to have his gift. Thanks to Serena’s guidance and hours of practice, the images he called forward were becoming clearer.
A smile tipped his lips, and he did not care how he looked to any coworkers who would find him sitting at his desk.
Serena glowed with laughter before raising a spoonful of cake to her mouth. Her lips, which he wanted to kiss again, parted, and he could make out the pink tip of her tongue. His blood stirred at the innocent image, breaking the connection.
He opened his eyes to the glowing screen of his laptop’s screen. “Get it together,” he murmured and dropped his head back against the chair’s headrest. “She’s okay,” he told himself, but he could not shake the feeling she was in danger.
