Excerpt: Libra: The Scales

As he meandered around the estate, he didn’t realize he had walked to the wishing well until he heard Anne’s voice. He stopped behind a tree and watched her, keeping quiet. She was so lovely, ethereal. He leaned closer to hear what she was saying as she dropped coins into the well.

“I wish that Mr. and Mrs. [farmer’s name] have a good harvest this year. They’ve got poor, sweet [boy’s name] to feed and another child on the way, if I had to guess.” Plunk. Another coin thrown in. “I wish that Mr. [clergyman] is able to care for his aging father.” Plunk. “I wish Thomas can find happiness as my husband. I know he doesn’t want to get married, but he is a good man.” Plunk.

Thomas stopped breathing. She was wishing for him? Why wouldn’t she wish for her own happiness in the marriage? He debated making his presence known to her. On the one hand, listening to her wishes seemed like he was listening to her soul and he didn’t want her to know he was eavesdropping. On the other hand, he wanted her to know, so he would seem less sneaky. His decision was made for him when he shifted his weight and a twig broke under his boot.

Anne gasped and turned, seeing him almost immediately.

“Thomas! Wh...What are you doing here? I thought you were fishing with the others.”

“I was, but I decided to take a walk and found myself here. I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

Twisting a small bag in her hands, coins clinked together, giving him the impression that he had stumbled upon a fairy in the forest. He started toward her, as though he were pulled by an invisible rope.

“How much did you hear?”

“I heard your wish for me.” His hand reached out and caressed her face, his thumb trailing from her cheek to the corner of her mouth. He tilted her chin up. “Why wouldn’t you wish for happiness for yourself?”

“I was not opposed to marriage to begin with.” Her voice was breathy. “I know you and like you well enough, so I suppose I can be content with this arrangement. I wonder if you can. I hope you can.”

Holding her gaze steady, he bent his head toward hers. “I believe I can be content, as well,” he said against her lips. His hand skimmed her neck to her shoulder while his other hand wrapped around her waist. “We were interrupted yesterday.”

Her breath was coming in short bursts and the smell of oranges assaulted him. He hovered over her lips, prolonging the sweet tension until he could stand it no more and captured her mouth. She groaned and leaned into him, surrendering to him completely.

She tasted better than he remembered. His dreams had been under siege with images of her but the reality was exquisite. When he was with her, his senses were heightened. The forest around them came alive, the sounds of the birds creating a melody solely for them. He felt as though he’d entered a fairy tale realm, as though reality were left behind when he kissed her. It was a heady sensation, her innocent response fueling his own desire.

When she wiggled to get closer, her skirts brushed against his arousal and he groaned. This fairy temptress was going to kill him. He broke the kiss, but held her close, her cheek resting on his chest. Their heavy breathing blocked the earlier sounds of the forest and he knew he should let her go so they could calm down, but he was loathe to release her. She fit so well in his arms, like she was made for him, and he was...content.