Jennifer Probst - Searching for Someday

“Didn’t want to mention it before, huh?”

A flare of anger pushed away the grief. “Actually I did, at your first mixer.”

“A few more details would’ve been nice.”

“Oh, sure, let’s see how that dialogue would go. ‘By the way, Slade, I have a witchlike gene that senses when a couple is meant to be together. And guess what? You’re the one for me! Sorry about the shock, but isn’t that great, when’s the wedding?’ ”

He narrowed his gaze. “You could have tweaked the speech a bit, but yeah, maybe that.”

A humorless laugh escaped her lips. “I wanted to pretend it never happened. I begged you to stay away from me, remember? You’re the one who knocked on my door last night! I was ready to try and move on, forget this—this thing between us ever occurred. We’ve been mismatched from the beginning.”

“Do you believe in it, Kate? Believe you can match the right couple just by touching them? Is this what you built your company on?”

Ice trickled down her spine. His tone flicked with disbelief and already she sensed his distance. How could he believe in something that was almost as magical as love? Something undefined but full of hope? The question tore through the last of her defenses, and suddenly, Kate realized she had nothing left to fight. She could tell him the gift was gone and she had no idea if it was coming back. She could deny the whole thing, laugh it off as some crazy joke her mom played, and save her pride. Instead, Kate gave him the truth.

“Yes. I’ve used my gift to guide many people together. I’ve sensed if it’s a true and proper love match. I never experienced it with myself, though. Until you.”

He jerked back and coffee sloshed over the rim of his mug. He shook slightly as he mopped it up with a towel. “I can’t deny what’s between us,” he finally said. “But do I believe in this type of love-spell witchery? No. How can I? Do I believe we were meant to have a happy ending just because we got a shock when we touched? Do you know how that sounds?”

She huddled into her robe, desperately longing for warmth. Her skin chilled and goose bumps broke out on her arms. Yes. It sounded juvenile and silly. But it was the truth, a truth he’d never believe or believe in. She opened her mouth to defend herself and end the conversation. Retreat to her isolation and lick her wounds one final time. Then finally get over Slade Montgomery. For good.

The phone interrupted them and beat out the seventies version of the pop song “We Are Family.” He cursed. “My sister. I better get it.”

She nodded and turned away. The murmur of conversation drifted to her ears. Kate wiped up the counter and refilled Robert’s water bowl, numb to the rapidly rising conversation. She had no time to transition before Slade stood in front of her, male fury vibrating from his figure in raw waves.

Her heart skipped. “What’s the matter?”

“I have to go. Jane was very upset on the phone. Seems this guy you set her up with—the one who was pushing her for more—broke up with her this morning.”

Her hand flew to her throat. “Oh, no. What happened? Is she okay?”

His face tightened. Green eyes held an accusing light that churned her gut. “He explained he’s just not that into her, not for a long-term relationship, and took off after spending the night. Is this the type of operation you run? Did you use your magical power to set Jane up with this asshole and tell yourself it would all work out?”

Pain sliced deep. She leaned slightly forward to catch her breath. “No! We set her up with two dates and she preferred Brian, but there’s no guarantee each date or relationship will work out. Let me come with you, I’ll talk to her, maybe set her up with a session with Arilyn if she’s upset.”

“No, you’ve done enough.” His voice flicked like a whiplash. “You still don’t understand, do you, Kate? She’s not made for this. I almost lost her once because I didn’t take care of her. I wanted to trust you, even though my instincts told me she could get hurt again.”

“Slade—”

“She’s all I have left!”

His words shattered around her. Her throat tightened, and she caught a glimpse of a raw vulnerability and fear swirling in those green eyes. He’d lost most of the women in his life. Kate realized his responsibility toward his sister was so much deeper than she imagined. When he loved, he gave everything. Unfortunately, he didn’t believe he was enough for any of them. As much as she wanted to make him stay, to beg him to talk to her and open up, she knew it had to be on his terms. Perhaps he’d never be ready for more.

He disappeared into the bedroom and came back out dressed, hair mussed, jaw full of stubble. He remained cool and distant, as if she were someone he didn’t recognize any longer. “I need you to leave her alone, Kate. Please.”

He walked out without a glance back.

Robert whimpered and slid over, pressing his warm body firm against her leg in full support. She sank down to the floor and put her arms around him, laying her cheek against his flat head, and soaked in his presence.

SLADE WATCHED HIS SISTER and tried not to panic. Her eyes were red and puffy, and the box of Kleenex on the side was getting a workout. Crumpled balls littered the floor. Her bare feet peeked out from her long terry cloth robe, an old favorite she used to wear around the house when she needed comfort. He flexed his fingers and tried to remain calm. He’d stay all day and all night if possible. Hell, she could move back into his apartment, get her old job back, and leave Verily behind. He’d do anything in his power to make her feel better.

Her lower lip trembled when she finally looked at him. “I feel so stupid,” she sniffed. “He kept pushing us to spend more time together. Asked me to spend the night. Invited me to his class to speak. I knew Kate was right when she mentioned we were moving too fast, but I was so happy I just wanted to believe it would work.”

Helplessness rattled his core. “It’s not your fault; the guy led you on and dumped you without a hitch. Kate should’ve seen this coming. Why was he a client there anyway? And why the hell would she have set you up with him?”

“Not Kate’s fault. I could’ve picked Tim, who also seemed super nice, but Brian had a bit more edge, which I thought was exciting. Arilyn warned me in counseling not to leap too soon. She said I tended to do that in my past as a way of ignoring some of my blocks and hang-ups.”

He growled under his breath. “You’re fine the way you are. That asshole is the one with a problem.”

A watery smile curved her lips. “Thanks, big brother. I’m so sorry I dragged you out of bed this early. I got too used to calling you when I’m in trouble. Hard habit to break, I guess.”

“That’s what I’m here for, Jane. To take care of you. Listen, I’ve got this whole thing figured out. You can move back in with me and get back on your feet. I’ll get your money back from Kinnections and you start with a clean slate. Hell, I bet your old job will beg you to come back.”

Jane frowned. “What are you talking about? I’m not moving back with you.”

He leaned forward and rested his hands on his knees. “Just for a bit, not permanently. Hell, I’ve got a better idea. Why don’t we go away for a mini vacation? Clear your head a bit. I’ll have the movers take care of your apartment, and we’ll pretend the whole thing never happened.”

Her eyes widened like she was staring at a troll rather than at her brother. “Are you crazy? I love my job, and I love Verily. I don’t need a vacation.”

He tried to speak gently. “You shouldn’t be alone right now. Not after what he did to you.”

She shook her head hard. “No, Slade, I think you misunderstood. Yeah, I’m pissed and upset that Brian ended up being a jerk. I didn’t see it coming. But I’ll be fine. That’s what women do. Bitch, cry, eat ice cream, get drunk. The girls at Kinnections showed me I can be normal, let my emotions run free, and still be okay. I’m not having a breakdown, and I’m sure I’ll get right back in the dating scene once I get over this.”