Witching Hour by Kris Norris Read Free Book Online

admit? Hell, he’d finally gotten up the nerve to broach the subject with Dave, determined to get the man’s approval before doing anything that might jeopardize their friendship, only to have the guy’s final words be how unsuitable Cal was for Jordan. And though he realized the circumstances had been suspect at best, Cal had never been able to shake the uncertainty that had surfaced. Hell, he’d gone all the way to Scotland just to get her out of his mind, yet here he was, a decade later, still lost at just the sight of her.
    Cal closed his eyes, wondering if he should just dart out the door when a whispered gasp breathed through the air. He forced his eyelids open, instantly pinned by the gleam of her hazel eyes, the stunning gold tinge making his heart miss a beat. Her mouth hung slightly open as if she’d forgotten how to close it, as she stared at him, seemingly unable to look away.
    He gave her a warm smile, trying to remember why he’d run away in the first place as he reached out and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. The soft length tickled his skin, and he had to resist the urge to gather it in his hand as he took advantage of her open mouth.
    Jordan seemed frozen, her eyes wide, her breath held. It wasn’t until he brushed a thumb across her cheek that she coughed out her breath, grimacing as she reached for her head. A flicker of pain registered in her eyes as she squinted them, though he didn’t know if it was from the light or the concussion.
    He trailed his fingers over hers. “Jordan? Sweetheart, are you okay? Should I get the doctor?”
    She gave him a slight shake of her head, obviously not wanting to move it too much as she hissed out another breath, once again staring at him. Her head cocked to the side before she extended her hand, running it along his jaw. “Cal? God, is that really you?”
    He couldn’t help but smile at the raspy tone to her voice. “For better or worse.” He motioned to her forehead. “How’s the pain in your head now?”
    Her brow furrowed, her confusion more than evident. “My head?” She drew her hand to her forehead again, this time tracing along the bandage. She made several passes before frowning. “I…fine, I guess. It hurts, but…I don’t…”
    Her words came in spurts, as is she didn’t have a clue what had happened. He pursed his lips together, preparing to call Brandon and have the doctor take another look at her when her hand snagged his wrist. He glanced down at her, all thoughts fading into the simple beauty of her face and how she seemed as mesmerized as he did.
    He trailed his fingers over her arm, finally cupping his hand atop hers. “Do you know where you are?”
    Her eyes shifted, scanning the room before she sighed, shaking her head. “Should I?”
    “It’s generally a good sign when people remember getting arrested.”
    “Arrested?” She pushed up, immediately falling back down as she palmed her head. “What the hell are you talking about?”
    Cal grabbed her shoulders, helping her shuffle on the cot until her back braced against the wall as her feet swung off the edge of the bed, dangling an inch off the floor. He waited until she could balance on her own before easing his hands away, prepared to lunge forward if she swayed.
    He leaned closer. “I was hoping you’d tell me. All I know is that they brought you in here last night, and that you were mumbling my name.”
    She looked away as if trying to gather her thoughts, when her eyes opened wide, and she turned to him, that familiar gleam he’d admired when she’d been younger shining back at him. Her slight smile faded as she levered up, broadcasting her intentions as she readied her hand in her lap.
    Cal caught her wrist before she could do more than raise her arm. He tsked at her, motioning to the mirror centered on the other wall. “Now, now, sweetheart. It’d be best not to put on too much of a show before I’ve got you out of here. Unless you honestly think that