Page 15 of Fated Midlife Christmas
He sat back, but he kept his gaze on her. “My work isn’t so different from yours. My family has been protecting the polar node for a very long time. It’s remote, so it’s usually stable, but things change sometimes. Our work goes further than that, really. We keep an eye on as much of the ley system as we can, watching when the lines migrate and keeping track of how strong they are.”
The Alexanders had mentioned having to move because of ley line migration, but the power in Salem had always been strong and steady. Some of the witches could even use it to help their magic. “That sounds like a big job.”
“It can be. As the Alpha of our clan, I’m officially in charge, but we all help each other. It’s like your coven, really. Some of us have outside jobs, and others do work that helps support the family.”
He made it all sound so simple and easy, although she supposed her coven life was rather like that. “You must be very close.”
“We are. That and our responsibility to the polar node are why most of us never really leave.” His amicable features stiffened somewhat just then. He cleared his throat and continued. “Like anything, continuous maintenance means there are fewer emergencies to worry about. We pay a lot of attention and make adjustments, and I imagine that’s somewhat similar to what you do with people.” His eyes were moving all over her again.
Knowing that he was observing her that closely was making her skin tingle. “Are you saying you can tell that I’m out of balance?”
“Possibly. You’re the expert, and I don’t claim to know anything about energy healing. But the closer we are to the winter solstice, the more finely tuned my abilities are. From here, with just being around you, I’d say yes. Perhaps you’re giving too much or doing too much. You just seem…very tired.”
“What a way to compliment your dinner date,” she returned with a smile. “Next, you’ll be telling me the circles under my eyes are a lovely shade of blue.”
He laughed. “You can be fatigued and still be beautiful. As a matter of fact, I find it hard to believe that I could travel this far and find such a gorgeous woman who’s also single.”
“You really don’t have very many women on that island of yours, do you?” she teased.
“All I really know is that none of them are like you.” Lars reached out and put his hand over hers, where it rested on the table.
Those strong fingers were also warm, and they had just a bit of roughness to them. When she looked up into his eyes, Amanda felt the same way she had at the holiday dinner. Every part of her body wanted to be closer to him. Her mind longed to know everything about him. Her bear was the strongest voice of all.
She hadn’t wanted to say it out loud when she’d talked to Kristy, but Amanda had only been avoiding the inevitable. She knew. Lars was her mate. He was sweet, good-looking, and smart, and he washers.But how could they work that out? Why did destiny have to assign her a man who didn’t even live on the same continent?
The other part of her conversation with Kristy was still in her mind, too, battling with that problem. There was no reason they couldn’t enjoy each other’s company, right?
6
“CanI get anything else for you guys?” the waitress asked.
Lars realized that wasn’t the first time she’d asked. He’d been so absorbed in his conversation with Amanda that he hadn’t been paying much attention to anything around them. Their plates had been taken away quite some time ago, and he was sure she’d refilled his glass multiple times. Most of the other patrons had left. He could’ve stayed there the rest of the night, chatting with Amanda and watching the way her dark hair showed various shades of gold and chestnut in the soft light, but the restaurant would be closing soon. “Just the check, please.”
She cleared her throat and tapped the table, where apparently she’d already placed the ticket earlier.
“Sorry. Just a moment.” He reached for his wallet.
“I can get it,” Amanda volunteered.
“I was the one who asked you to dinner, so I’m the one who pays.” He handed the cash directly to the waitress. “Please keep the change.”
She looked at the money and was suddenly pleasant again. “You guys have a nice evening!”
“Does that mean I get to pay if I ask you to dinner?” Amanda asked as he helped her into her coat.
He caught the scent of her shampoo as she adjusted her hair around her collar. “Get to or have to? Actually, it doesn’t matter. I’d pay anyway.”
She turned to him with a grin. “Oh, really? You don’t think I’m capable of paying?”
“I’m quite sure that you are, but I like to do it. What better way to spend an evening than treating a gorgeous woman?” He opened the door and held it for her.
Amanda’s eyes slid up at him as she walked through the doorway, a catlike smile on her face. “You’re good. I’ll let you get away with it for now, but eventually you’ll have to let me treat you.”
Lars felt his heart and stomach lurch at the knowledge that she wanted to spend more time with him. That time was limited, he knew, but he still enjoyed it. He moved out to the edge of the sidewalk as they headed back the way they’d come.
“It looks like it rained while we were in there,” Lars said, noting the wet streets and the dripping gutters. “I hadn’t even noticed.” He’d been far too preoccupied with Amanda, and he still was.
“I hadn’t, either. Usually, we’ve got a bit of snow on the ground by now, but this year so far, we’re just getting a lot of cold rain. It’s not as pretty as the snow.” Amanda shrugged a little. “I guess you’re used to snow, though.”
