A new excerpt from The Celtic Knot: Suit of Cups -

…After work, Ian followed Lily to her apartment, diligently watching the rearview mirror. He waited while she fed Bella and collected a bag, but gave her an odd look when she did not change out of her Castle garb. “Remind me later to tell you about a fascinating magazine article I read this week,” she said with a wink.

They reached Olde Town and his apartment without incident. Tugging his boots off, Ian gazed curiously at her gypsy costume. “Would you mind if I changed?”

“Not at all. Shall I pour you a glass of wine while you get comfortable?”

“Yes, please,” he said, disappearing into the bedroom. She snagged two glasses from behind the bar then headed into the kitchen and retrieved a chilled bottle from the refrigerator. She returned a few minutes later to find the gas fireplace had been turned on to take the chill out of the large room. He had changed into a soft flannel shirt and faded jeans and sat half reclined on the couch, long legs stretched.

Taking the seat beside him, she poured two glasses and handed him one. “You look beautiful by the firelight, my dear,” he murmured, and pulled her close so she lay across his chest. “Why don’t you make yourself more comfortable? Or would you prefer I did it?”

Lily sat up abruptly. “No thank you, sir. I can do it myself.”

His eyes widened at her sudden mood swing. “Sweetheart? Did I say something wrong?”

“No. I’ve just been thinking about what you said about cheating on me with me when I’m wearing my Castle outfit. So tonight, Lily won’t be here. Raven will.” The corners of her lips twitched with suppressed excitement. “You may find that, although similar in looks, our personalities are very different. Lily is quiet and shy, but you may find Raven to be a bit more…aggressive.”

He wet his lower lip and a shiver of anticipation ran through her. She moved to stand before him but when he reached for her, she danced backward and said no firmly enough to halt him in his tracks. She nodded her approval and began unlacing her vest. He watched her every movement, his eyes glowing with desire.

“I did wear something under my outfit tonight,” she cooed, “would you care to see?”

His voice was amused. “Oh yes, please.”

She ran the tip of her tongue over her lips in blatant invitation. “Then close your eyes and no peeking.”

He did as she asked, grinning in anticipation. In a flash, she tugged off her vest, shirt and skirt, fished her shoes out of her bag and slipped them on. She had practiced wearing this particular outfit while standing in front of her mirror. She assumed what she hoped would be a provocative pose, took a deep breath and plunged in. “Open your eyes.”

All traces of amusement fled from his face…

mmmmmmmm………such a cliffhanger…….leave a comment, let me know what you think :-)

Shannon MacLeod – Paranormal Romance with a Celtic Twist