A Witch and Her Man (Jeff and Gail) by G.E. Stills Read Free Book Online Page B

get pregnant unless I want to. Now, if my being naked really makes you uncomfortable, I'll go put some clothes on but I have to say, going without clothes comes natural to me. Our kind calls it skyclad. It lets me feel unrestricted and thankfully, the coven I belong to encourages it, maybe more than most." She changed the subject abruptly. "Speaking of uncomfortable, do you always have that gun near you?"
     
    "Always. It's always within arm's reach, so I guess you'd better get used to it if we're going to have a relationship." He hoped the sober expression on his face showed there would be no compromise on this.
     
    "So we're in a relationship. I like the sound of that. At least I know you're not just using me. Maybe we can compromise. I like to go au-naturale and you want your gun in easy reach," she laughed.
     
    "Gail, I'd like to take you out to dinner tonight, if it fits into your hectic schedule. Oh and one more thing, I don't think the restaurant I have in mind is clothing optional so you'll have to be dressed." He cocked his head and smiled.
     
    "I'd like that. I'm sure I have some old rags around here I can throw on. I warn you though, I'm not going to eat all day so don't think you're going to get off as cheaply as you did last time." Gail returned the smile.
     
    "Only thing though, I didn't bring any dress clothes over here and I don't want to leave you alone."
     
    He watched the smile on her face fade. "What, so you offered to take me out and then waffle on it?"
     
    "It's not that simple. I just don't want to jeopardize your safety."
     
    "I'll tell you what. How about if I have a girlfriend come over and stay with me while you're gone? Would that satisfy you?"
     
    He thought for a moment. "Yeah, I guess that would be okay for a few hours."
     
    She grabbed the phone and ran to the other room. "Don't you dare change your mind. I'll be right back." She returned a few minutes later. "Stella will be over in a little bit. She only lives ten minutes away. Go."
     
    "I'll just wait."
     
    "Go, damn it. Go before you change your mind. I'll be fine for ten, maybe fifteen minutes tops. I'm getting hungry already thinking about tonight."
     
    "I guess it would be okay. There've been no phone threats or attempted break-ins in weeks so I think it'll be safe if I go to my apartment to do some paperwork and get ready. Maybe when I wounded one of them and shot their car full of holes they got the message that you weren't the type of lady to mess with. At least I hope."
     
    "Will you just go already? I'll be fine." She shoved him toward the door.
     
    He turned on the doorstep. "Okay. Lock the doors, set the alarm and don't answer the door for anyone except Stella or me. Is that understood, Gail?"
     
    "Yes, sir. Mon Capitaine, sir," she said sarcastically, giving him a mock salute. Even though she joked, she would heed his words completely and they both knew it.
     
    "Bye, see you later." She shut the door.
     
    He waited until he heard the door locks click in place before going to his car.
     
    ****
     
    Stella arrived a few minutes later. Gail let her in and hurried her to the kitchen.
     
    "So where is this mystery man you've been telling me about?" Stella asked.
     
    "Gone to get ready for tonight. He's going to take me out to some fancy restaurant. Oh Stella, he's fantastic and I'm feeling as nervous as a school girl going out on her first date."
     
    Stella chuckled. "I can see that. So, where'd you meet him?"
     
    "He's looking into Marla's death for me. Things have kind of progressed from there." She knew this was an evasive answer. It wasn't a lie, she could never lie to her high priestess, but it was far from the entire story.
     
    Several times during the day he called to check on her. Each time the mere sound of his voice made her stomach do flip-flops.
     
    ****
     
    "It's so nice doing rituals with a fellow witch. Thanks, Stella," she said while they both got dressed again. Gail had thanked the Goddess