Back at Archie’s, I’m lying in bed, hoping his sore ass has healed enough for some hanky-panky. My Scottish lover exits the bathroom, donning boxer briefs and a sexy smile. He hops onto the mattress and grimaces.
“Och, I shouldn’t have done that. My arse is as pink as a baby’s bottom with diaper rash.”
I laugh and shuffle toward him. “What a lovely image.”
“What did you chat about with Agnes?” he asks, sliding a hand down my back.
“I asked her to help me with my intuition. You don’t ever talk about yours.”
“That’s because I do nothing to enhance it. The future can remain hidden as far as I’m concerned. Look at what your visions have done to you. They caused so much stress.”
I play with the springy hairs on his chest. “If I hadn’t developed them, you’d be dead.”
“Must you always be right, witch?” he asks in a thicker Scottish brogue.
“Aye, professor,” I say. My hand searches for him under the sheet, and I find him limp as a wet rag. “No?”
“The desire is there, my love, but my arse is winning tonight.” He kisses me. “I’m chuffed you’re here with me. That’s enough.”
Archie turns out the light. I roll over, and he wraps his arms around me, snuggling against my back. As I drift off to sleep, the memory of the gray-skinned creature appears, taunting me with his one bulbous eye. Did he take the baby?
Chapter sevenSomething’s Afoot
The next day, Archie has an early class, and I spend part of the morning at the library working on my capstone project for my master’s degree. Our hectic schedules and his sore ass are preempting our love life. I keep telling myself there’s light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. If we can make it to the third week of December, we’ll have plenty of time to catch up over Winter Session in Scotland and Wales.
When my phone screen displays 11:00 a.m., I throw on my hoodie and exit the library to the Green. Seamus asked me to stop by his office to pick up one of his personal references. I don’t want to be late.
As I stroll across the paver walkway toward Stewart Hall, I gaze at the white dome atop the red-brick Georgian building. I soak in the bright sunshine and admire the yellow and garnet chrysanthemums. Their sweet and spicy scent passes my nose. Leaves swirl from the tree limbs, creating a cascade of pink, tan, and orange. Soon, the Old Men oak trees will be barren and cooler temperatures will arrive. But today, it’s a warm sixty-four degrees. I’m going to enjoy the pleasant weather while it lasts.
I enter the double doors and make my way to the musty basement where the Celtic Studies department offices are housed. As I amble down the hallway, Archie exits his office with Ashley Lewis in tow. Spence and Skye approach from the other end of the hallway and stop to chat, too. They’re all in deep discussion when I reach them. The TAs wave at me while I wait silently for them to finish talking. I notice the young instructor has blue eyes the shade of the ocean. Archie smiles at me as he finishes the conversation.
“Don’t worry about the grading. I’m certain Spence and Skye will help you meet the deadline.”
The red-haired TA nods. “It’s not a problem, Dr. Lewis. The department pays me for the extra hours, and I can use the increase around the holidays.”
Ashley shoves a stack of papers into her backpack. “I appreciate your help. You and Spence have been lifesavers. I already lose so much time with my son.”
“We’re here for you, Dr. Lewis,” Spence says. “Whatever you need.”
“Thank you all for being so supportive.” Ashley turns in my direction. “Nice to run into you again, Gwyn.”
“Likewise,” I say, the wheels turning in my head. “Anything I can do to help?” Like babysit?
A slight smile curls her mouth. “I don’t think so, but thank you for offering.”
Spence interrupts us. “Hey, I have a great idea, and you deserve a break. I need to check with Tanner first, but would you be down for dinner at our house?”
“Could Jeff Williams come with me? And my son, Aidan?” she asks.
“Absofuckinglutely,” Spence replies. “Actually, why don’t we make it a party? Skye, bring Zach. I’ll call Tyler and Zoe. Gwyn and Archie, you should come, too, and ask Derek and Ronnie—if she’s not too tired. Let’s say the Saturday after the Samhain Celebration?”
“Thank you for the invitation. You’re all so nice,” Ashley says. “I better get home for an early lunch. The new babysitter has a class to attend soon.” She darts up the hallway toward the stairs, her backpack swinging over her shoulder.
Spence shakes his head. “Dr. Lewis needs to de-stress. She’s wound so tight, she’s gonna pop a spring.”
“It was a great idea,” Skye says. “She should socialize more. Let me know what Zach and I can bring.”
Archie nods. “If you want any help with dinner, I’m happy to cook something as well.”
“Sure. As soon as I tell Tanner,” he replies, grimacing.
Skye motions up the hall. “We better get to class. Let us know which grading to concentrate on.”
“Will do,” Archie replies as they dart off. “I didn’t expect you. Miss me already?”
I stroke his goatee. “Yeah, but that’s not why I’m here. I forgot Seamus has a new reference for me—a book from home.”
“Ahhh. When will you sleep over again? You barely make it one night a week.” He shoves his hands in his pockets. “If you moved in with me, at least you’d bless me with your presence in bed every day?”
I turn my head and exhale. “You know I’m not ready for that.”
He pulls my chin toward his face. “Will you ever be?”
“Let me get through this semester. There’s too much going on.”
“Sure,” he says in a thicker Scottish brogue. “I understand. When can I expect you to stay again?”
