Free Gnomes of Suburbia by Viola Grace Page B

will be irretrievable from that point on."
    "Okay. So as long as it is still my energy, I can pull it back?"
    "That is the theory. I don't know of any cases where the Nexus was able to do it extensively though. That is why you need the training that I am offering you."
    She sighed heavily. “What exactly would this training entail?"
    "Every morning when your energy is at its peak you will come over and I will give you exercises to enhance your control over your energies.” Xander rose and moved to a side cabinet, the drawer that he opened yielded a seven-foot strand of pearls. “These pearls are a good outlet for your extra energy. You can fill them up one at a time and use them to relieve the overflow to prevent accidents like the one that struck Laura."
    Abby wrapped the pearls around her hand and hefted them. They were not light. “I am supposed to haul these things around with me?"
    "Well, they will give you a place to put your extra energy. It's your choice.” He crossed his arms and scowled.
    How could she not find that sexy? Her power ramped up again and she filled three pearls in a few seconds.
    Then three more as he stated, “I want to see you first thing in the morning, every morning until we get this under control."
    She would like to see him first thing in the morning, after they had spent the night tangling the sheets. Five more pearls. “Fine. I will be over here first thing in the morning tomorrow."
    "Excellent. I look forward to working this out with you. I will be here to help you out as long as it takes.” He took her hand in his and looked deeply into her eyes.
    Ten more pearls. Oh, to hell with it. She jumped forward and locked her lips with his. It was just as fantastic as the first time, but this time she had him at a disadvantage and he took a moment to react. He reacted with passion and she was halfway through the necklace before she was able to break the contact. “Wow. Okay. We can't do that again. Or we can't do that again today. But I would definitely like to do that again. But not when we are working on extending my expiration date."
    His grin was devilish. “Done. The instant that you are firmly in control of the power, we have a date."
    She extended her hand and he shook it. “We have a deal. What is your official job title by the way?"
    He was escorting her out and he gently pinched her backside as he gave her a light shove out the door. “I am the Safety Warlock. Do you feel safe?"
    "Nope, and I can't wait for our date.” A wink and a quick peck on the lips and she was skipping back to her house. This place was definitely becoming more and more like home.
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Chapter Fifteen
    Day one of her official Nexus training was not off to a great start, for Xander. He really should have asked her how early she liked to wake up before pounding on her door with a cheerful, “Abby, it's time to start your training."
    Even her gnomes looked at him with horror as she struggled down the hall and into the bathroom for a shower.
    Then he decided to pound on the bathroom door. “We don't have time for you to take a shower. Come on and let's get started."
    Bastard. Apparently the thought of her naked under all that hot water, soaping herself slowly was an image that he didn't entertain. Bastard.
    Her ablutions took their regular amount of time, but by the scowl on his face, Xander had been waiting two eternities for her. “Abby, I wanted to get started this morning."
    She tucked her towel firmly around her and pattered back to her bedroom, “Xander, morning lasts until eleven fifty-nine AM. Chill. And tomorrow, tell me what time you want me there and you won't have to come get me.” She turned just as she was entering her room to get dressed. His eyes did not meet hers, they were fixated somewhat lower. Huh, he was an ass man. Handy to know. “Oy. Move the eyeballs higher, Safety Warlock. You might get a crick in your neck if you keep staring at my ass."
    His blush was