Magic Flirts! 5 Romantic Short Stories Read online

  Her eyes widened. “You were attacked by a shark? While you were surfing? Here?” She looked back at the ocean.

  He held back a grin. “Some kid left this slippery rubber shark toy on the second floor landing of my apartment complex and I tripped on it and fell down the entire flight of stairs.” He shook his head, trying to bite back his laughter.

  She blinked at him a few times, and he wondered if he’d been inappropriate.

  “So land sharks are real.” She looked as if she were holding back a giggle, too.

  He busted out laughing. He’d been expecting a look of sympathy, or a few kind words. But for the first time, someone didn’t look at him with pity when he’d told them the story. “Land sharks. Who knew?”

  She reached over and squeezed his hand. “I’m sorry you were the one to discover their existence. I would’ve liked to see you surf. Do you still get in the water?”

  “You’d like me to make myself shark chum for real?”

  She rolled her eyes. “I work with quite a few kids who use wheelchairs and I’ve seen some great zero entry swimming pools, you could roll right in. The kids love it. I know there are programs for them to swim with dolphins, too. The point is, there are ways for you to get back in the water.”

  He swallowed hard. “I hadn’t even thought about it. But that would be really cool. Some day.”

  The waitress brought their dinners and Jacey stuck out her fork and snatched a scallop.

  He laughed.

  She rolled her eyes. “Divine.” She cracked open a lobster claw and dunked a hunk of meat in her butter, then passed it to him.

  He picked up the slippery flesh and dropped it in his mouth. “Oh my God,” he said, chewing.

  “I think I could eat seafood every day. I miss the clam chowder back home. You’d love it. But you need to have authentic chowder, made on The Cape.”

  “It’d be nice to go there someday,” he said.

  “Too bad you don’t have a lot of time on your hands now,” she said, cocking an eyebrow.

  He felt himself blush. She was totally flirting with him, practically inviting him to come visit.

  “I do have settlement money from the apartment complex. Maybe traveling would be a good idea. Go to all the places I’ve always wanted to visit.”

  Jacey speared another scallop. “Sorry, these are too tasty to resist.”

  They chatted some more, and Val couldn’t figure out if she was just being kind to him or if she was truly interested. Was this just a sympathy flirt on her behalf? “Do you have a boyfriend?”

  Her smile fell. “No.” She shook her head, laughing softly. “I don’t need a man in my life.”

  “Oh,” he said quietly. What a fool he’d been thinking she might be interested in him. She was just a friendly, vivacious woman offering a bit of sympathy to a dude in a wheelchair.

  “Any coffee or desserts?” the waitress asked.

  “No, just bring me the check,” he said.

  “Oh, I’m paying,” Jacey said.

  “I may be crippled, but I’m not broke,” Val said harshly.

  Jacey’s face crumpled. “I’m sorry. I just meant I wanted to thank you for the lesson.”

  “I know. But I haven’t had the chance to pay for a woman’s meal since I was injured. And who knows when I’ll get the chance again.”

  Jacey bit her lip and blinked her eyes rapidly. “Thank you, Val. It was a lovely evening.” She looked down. “Will you be back at the beach tomorrow? I could use a few more pointers.”

  He wanted to be mad at her, but he was only mad at himself for believing a gorgeous, fun woman like her would want a man in a wheelchair. “I go there just about every day. Let me give you my number so you can tell me when you’ll be there.”

  They exchanged numbers, then he drove her to her hotel.

  “Thanks for a nice evening,” she said quietly, clearly still affected by his outburst.

  “It was fun,” he said curtly, cursing himself for being an ass but not knowing how to say he was sorry.

  She smiled at him. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  “I’ll be there. I’ve got nothing else to do.”

  She bit her lip and waved to him, then walked to her hotel.

  He had to stop being a jerk. He went home to his new condo on the first floor of a senior living complex that had the accommodations he needed.

  He grabbed a beer from the fridge, lit the fire pit on his small patio, and closed his eyes, wishing he could have a do-over of the night. What did he expect from Jacey? She was here for one more week. Did he really think her flirting meant she wanted to hook up or start a relationship? He should consider himself lucky any woman wanted to spend time with him.

  His phone rang, and he grabbed it to hit ignore. He didn’t feel like talking to his mother. But it wasn’t his mother. It was Jacey.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, Val. I’m not sure what I said or did wrong this evening, but I know I screwed up somehow, and I wanted to say I’m sorry.”

  “You did nothing wrong, Jacey. It’s me. I have a lot of issues to deal with.”

  She was quiet for a moment. “I only have one more week here. And I’d like to spend it with you. I don’t want to wait until tomorrow to see you. Can I come over tonight?”

  He struggled to swallow. “I’d like that. I’ll send you directions to my place.”

  “I’ll be there soon.”

  Val quickly showered and tidied up the place. His heart was pounding like crazy by the time the doorbell rang.

  Jacey wore a cute sundress, and her hair was piled into a bun on the top of her head. She’d dabbed on a bit of makeup, and she was even prettier than he remembered. “Come in. I was just sitting out on the patio if you’d like to join me.”

  “Sure.” She set down her purse and followed him outside.

  Taking a seat, she rubbed her hands over the fire pit. “Got stuff for s’mores?”

  He cocked his head. “Oh, yeah. That’s an American camping treat, right?”

  “A roasted marshmallow on top of chocolate smashed between two graham crackers. Super messy, super yummy.”

  “What are graham crackers? I don’t think we have them here.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “Something else to try when you come to the States. Tell me about your trips to the U.S.”

  He chuckled, and shared his stories. “Both holidays were rather spur of the moment,” he explained. “Went by myself both times, but had a fantastic time.”

  “People thought I was crazy to come here alone,” Jacey told him. “But I’ve enjoyed the time to myself, meeting new people. Meeting you.”

  “You know, it may sound crazy, but when I saw you walking out of the water today, it felt like you were headed right for me.” He smiled, wishing that were true.

  “I’m glad I found you. I feel so comfortable around you. Like you’re an old…friend I haven’t seen in a long time. Like I know you.” She shook her head. “So strange.”

  He blew out a breath. “Thank God. I feel the same way and thought maybe I was going crazy. Like maybe it was some weird attachment to the first woman who’s paid attention to me since the accident.”

  She reached over and grabbed his hand. “Well, if no one has paid attention to you, then I’m selfishly glad. Means you’re available.”

  Val swallowed hard and pulled on her hand, bringing her toward him.

  “Can I sit on your lap?” she asked.

  “Please do,” he said. He looked down and realized he was aroused. That still happened now and then, though he discovered he wasn’t able to do much about it, though he’d sure tried.

  She settled sideways on his lap and smiled at him shyly.

  He set his hand on the back of her neck, rubbing her silky hair between his fingers. “You’re beautiful, Jacey. I can’t believe you’re single.”

  She blushed, smiling. “Thanks. I’m kind of down on love. I’ve seen a lot of people hurt, so I never let myself get close
to anyone. My sister’s getting married, but I just don’t see it happening for me.”

  She looked into his eyes, and the kindness and honesty he saw in them hit him square in the heart.

  “You don’t have a girlfriend?” she asked.

  Val laughed. “I haven’t for a long time. I wasn’t interested in anything serious. I wasn’t seeing anyone when the accident happened.”

  “So here we are, two lonely single people.” She grinned.

  “What are the chances?” He reached his hand around the back of her neck, under her silky hair and brought her lips to his.

  She shifted in his lap, straddling him with her knees on either side of his hips. Their tongues tangled and he nibbled on her lush lower lip. She ran her fingers through his hair and he grazed his thumbs over the tips of her breasts.

  “Can we go to your bedroom?” she asked, breathlessly.

  “I’ll drive,” he said, and she chuckled.

  ***

  Jacey spent the night, and they headed back to the beach the next afternoon.

  “Think we can find any sand dollars here?” she asked as they strolled along the shore.

  “I’ve never looked for them before, but I know they can be found when the tide’s going out, like it is now. They’re usually underwater, and just the top rounded part peeks up from the sand. I learned that somewhere. But don’t take the dark ones,” he said.

  “Those are alive. I know. Let’s go look.”

  They splashed through the surf, picking up interesting shells and bits of sea glass when Jacey pointed. “I think I see one!” She rushed into the water and pulled it out. “My first Australian sand dollar.”

  They spent the next few days at the beach, searching for more treasures. Val gave her the occasional surfing lesson, then ended their days with a delicious dinner at various restaurants overlooking the water. The nights were spent at Val’s place.

  “I can’t believe I have to leave in a few days,” Jacey said one morning when they woke with the sun.

  Val swallowed the lump in his throat. “I wish we’d bumped into each other on the first day of your trip. I haven’t had enough time with you.”

  She twisted her lips for a moment then looked at him. “Don’t you think you’re ready for another spur of the moment trip to the States?”

  “To Cape Cod?” His heart pounded so loud, he was sure she could hear it.

  She nodded. “You can stay with me. Why not? You’ve got the time. You’re still sorting out your next step.” She grabbed his hand. “I’d love you to come with me.”

  His heart decided before his head did—as if he’d been struck by a certainty that she was the one for him. He felt dazed, staring at her. He was warm and happy, as if he were floating in dazzling blue water. “Yes, I’ll come. Let’s go make the arrangements.”

  ***

  Jacey had to stop herself from running onto the beach, but she was so excited for Val to see the Atlantic Ocean from her little corner of the world.

  She led him down the wooden slat boardwalk leading to the beach.

  “I love all these sand dunes,” he said.

  “Isn’t this a beautiful place?”

  “Incredible,” he said, taking it all in.

  They found a spot to sit near a dune with a good view of the ocean. “Are there sand dollars here?”

  “Yes, you can find some when the tide is going out. We can poke around later.” She settled on his lap, lacing an arm around his neck and settling her legs over the side of his chair.

  They sat for a while, holding hands. Jacey was happy just to be with him. He had an open-ended ticket, and she hoped he stayed a long time. Forever, if it were up to her. A little kid ran up, interrupting them.

  “Are you going to look for sand dollars again this year?” the kid asked.

  Jacey smiled at him. “I always look for them. Do I know you?” She wondered if he was an old student maybe.

  The boy nodded. “We met at the beach last year. You helped me find my first sand dollar.”

  The little boy looked at Val. “You were there too. But what happened? You weren’t in a chair last year.”

  Val scrunched his eyebrows together. “I’ve never been here before.”

  “Yes you have. You were here last year, surfing. I was visiting my Aunt Alana like we do every summer, and I met you.”

  Val laughed. “You must be thinking about someone else.”

  The kid shook his head. “No, I know it was you. You stole her away from me when we were looking for sand dollars.” He crossed his arms and stuck out his bottom lip.

  Jacey looked at Val and reached for his hand. “I wish that were true. But we just met. In Australia. We weren’t here together last year.”

  “Whatever.” The kid rolled his eyes. “You just don’t want to share your sand dollars.” He walked away, grumbling.

  Jacey and Val stared at each other.

  “That was…”

  “Weird.” Val finished her sentence.

  “Because there’s definitely a connection between us. I mean, you flew across the world after knowing me for a week,” she said.

  Val’s eyes swept the area. “This beach does feel familiar. Or maybe it just feels like I belong here.”

  Jacey put her arm around Val. “You do belong here. With me. A new place could be a fresh start.” Jacey lifted an eyebrow.

  He smiled at her and pulled her into a kiss. “I didn’t think there’d be any new beginnings for me, Jacey. I didn’t think I’d ever find love. I love you. It’s crazy, I know, to say that so soon.”

  She shook her head. “No, it’s not. Because I love you too. I don’t know how we found each other, I’m just so grateful we did.”

  Jacey sat holding Val’s hand for a long time, feeling like a beautiful blue haze surrounded them as the sun dribbled into the sea.

  Charmed

  Water swirled around her feet as Alana stared at the couple kissing by a sand dune, oblivious to the rest of the world. Alana was supposed to be looking for crabs with her niece and nephew, but she couldn’t stop spying on the man and woman so obviously in love they glowed. Alana had never known that kind of love. And there was no sign of it in sight for her. Thus, her hunting expedition for crustaceans with a couple of ten-year-olds.

  “Look what I found!” Her niece Lauren dangled a dead horseshoe crab in front of her.

  Alana snapped out of her daze and shrieked while Lauren giggled.

  Then her nephew, Joey, dashed in front of her with a stinky piece of seaweed. In his other hand he held a sand dollar. “I found it all by myself! Isn’t that awesome?”

  Alana laughed. “It is.” She’d loved that kind of stuff when she was little. These days, the only time she went to the beach was when her sister and the twins visited from out of town.

  Alana’s sister, Marianne, started gathering blankets and buckets and stray flip-flops. “Come on guys,” she hollered. “I have antique shops to browse, then we’re meeting Daddy for dinner.”

  Once they had everything loaded into the wagon, they trudged back to the car, promising the kids ice cream later if they got an hour of peace to look through a few shops.

  Alana couldn’t stop thinking about the couple at the beach as they pulled in front of an old barn with a flag promising antiques for sale flapping in the wind.

  Grumbling, the kids followed them inside the store and quickly found a barrel filled with old marbles. They started picking through them.

  A few people browsed among the tables and shelves filled with old treasures and trinkets. A person could spend hours here, Alana thought.

  Marianne drifted toward a cabinet filled with glassware, while Alana went to a display of old jewelry in back. There were gorgeous rhinestone necklaces, big showy rings, and intricately carved bracelets.

  “See something you like?” asked an older woman who’d appeared out of nowhere. Her white hair was piled into a bun on the top of her head. She wore a long, flowery dress.

&nb
sp; “Lots, but I don’t have any occasions to wear fancy jewelry,” Alana said.

  “You’re such a beautiful girl. No nice young man to take you out?” the lady asked.

  “Thanks, but no, I don’t. Forget the jewelry, what I really need is a boyfriend. Got any of those for sale in here? A box of them out back, maybe?” Alana chuckled.

  The lady raised an eyebrow. “It’s love you seek, then?” She had an accent, but Alana couldn’t place it.

  Alana sighed. “I guess. Haven’t been too lucky in the love department.”

  The lady studied her for a moment, and Alana felt the hairs on her arms rise. Then the woman held up one finger. “I’d say the timing is right for you, dear. And I’ve got just the thing you need.” She bustled behind a curtain, and the scent of herbs wafted out. Alana looked around nervously, worried someone could overhear this embarrassing conversation, but none of the shoppers seemed to be paying attention. Thankfully, Alana was well hidden behind a tall display of antique boat models.

  The woman returned to the display counter, clutching something in her hand. “This here is a love charm,” she said.

  “Excuse me?” Alana asked.

  “It helps you find your perfect match.” The lady set the necklace on the glass countertop and pushed it toward Alana.

  It was a pale blue stone, crudely carved into the shape of a heart and encased in swirly silver wires. Small, colored stones studded the wires, and it hung from a thin, silver chain. Alana guessed it was quite old. “This is beautiful,” she said. “So, I just wear it and I’ll find love?” She could imagine her sister teasing her incessantly if she knew Alana was considering buying it.

  The old woman nodded. “Hold it over your heart and wish aloud for the man you seek. Then wear it around your neck, and your true love will appear within two moons.”

  “I don’t know,” Alana said, clutching it in her hand.

  “These charms are not something I keep on display, and I don’t offer them to many folk. I acquire them once in a while from my niece, Vicky.” Her eyes darted around the room. “Witches go far back on the family tree, you see.”

  Despite her skepticism, Alana felt herself being sucked into the tale. “Witches?” she whispered. Wind chimes tinkled outside.