Tarot's Touch by L.M. Somerton Read Free Book Online

As Alex followed Conor outside, he just caught her muttered comment, “Lucky bastard.”
    Nothing he could disagree with there.

Chapter Three
     
     
     
    Conor put his motorbike away in the garage and locked it. He pulled off his helmet as he walked around to the front door and let himself in. He stored his jacket, helmet and boots in the hall closet before wandering barefoot through the house to the kitchen. He dumped the bag containing his books and tarot cards on the counter, grabbed a bottle of mineral water from the fridge and poured himself a glass. Agnes’ bag and coat sat on a stool by the kitchen counter, which meant she was still finishing up the day’s cleaning. Conor sipped his drink and sure enough, Agnes appeared a few moments later. She gave Conor a hug.
    “You boys working late again?” She shook her immaculately permed gray head and pursed her lips. “I’ve left a shepherd’s pie in the fridge—make sure you have vegetables with it.”
    Conor treated her to a beaming smile. “You spoil us, Agnes, what would we do without you?”
    She ruffled his hair. “Starve to death, most likely. You both work far too hard. Talking of both, where’s my Alex?”
    “He’s not far behind me. We went in separately today. The bike’s quicker through the traffic on the way back.” Conor took the tarot cards from his bag. He shuffled absently through the pack and spread them on the kitchen counter.
    Agnes picked one up. “I know someone who could read these for you, if you are interested? I’ve never indulged myself but some people believe in them. I’d rather read my horoscope in the paper.”
    Conor looked up. “I would be interested. It’s case related, though. Not for me. I have one possibility already. I picked up a card from a shop in town earlier today, but someone you know would be much better.”
    Agnes pulled a dog-eared notebook and pen from her cavernous bag and scribbled some details down.
    “Here you go, love. I don’t know the phone number off the top of my head, but this is the name and address. She only sees people through word of mouth and you go to her house. She doesn’t have a shop or anything. I’ll call you later with the number. Don’t worry about answering if you boys are busy. I’ll leave a message.” She gathered up her things, put her coat on then headed for the door with an energy that did not reflect her seventy years. “Bye, sweetie.”
    “Agnes! Did I just hear you chatting up my boyfriend?” Alex gave her a hug as they collided in the doorway.
    “Oh you!” She gave him a light cuff around the ear. “Behave!”
    Alex gave her a cheeky grin as he closed the door behind her.
    Alex became strangely still and silent. Conor turned toward him, wondering what he was doing.
    “What are you…?”
    Catching sight of the predatory look on Alex’s face, Conor slid off the stool and backed warily against the counter. Alex took long strides toward him before cupping his neck and pulling him into a deep, hungry kiss.
    Eventually he pulled away but kept his hand in place, stroking Conor’s neck.
    “That leather clings to your body in a way that should be illegal. The question now is whether to eat dinner or you. I have a serious appetite for both.”
    Conor smiled, feeling shy and turned on at the same time.
    “Fuck, Conor. Don’t do that!”
    “Do what?” Conor leaned forward and nibbled on Alex’s earlobe.
    “Smile at me.”
    “You’re joking?” Conor stared at him.
    “One smile and you’ve got me so horny I could explode.”
    “That doesn’t sound like a good reason for stopping.”
    Conor went back to planting soft kisses down Alex’s neck. Alex pressed his hand against the small of Conor’s back, bringing him closer then slid it into the back of his trousers.
    “That tickles!” Conor wriggled, trying to dislodge Alex’s hand.
    “You’re so warm.” Alex wasn’t to be deterred. He explored further, slipping his fingers beneath Conor’s shorts to